ADDING to an already strong squad, Lowestoft Town this week boosted their ranks with the twin capture of two former Canaries.Gearing up for new challenges and 'an exciting adventure' ahead in the Ryman League Division One North, The Blues have moved swiftly to sign two highly sought-after players - former Town skipper Greg Crane and the versatile Matthew Halliday.

ADDING to an already strong squad, Lowestoft Town this week boosted their ranks with the twin capture of two former Canaries.

Gearing up for new challenges and 'an exciting adventure' ahead in the Ryman League Division One North, The Blues have moved swiftly to sign two highly sought-after players - former Town skipper Greg Crane and the versatile Matthew Halliday.

And announcing the signings this week, joint Lowestoft managers Micky Chapman and Ady Gallagher were understandably 'delighted' with the double coup.

'They are a couple of really good signings, who are both quality players,' Chapman said. We've got a good squad anyway and after a great season last year we've moved up to a new level and at that level you've always got to look to improve.

'I think these two signings show the type of quality that we are actually speaking to at the moment,' he added. They are fantastic players and they're welcome additions to the squad.'

Central defender Crane returns to Crown Meadow once more, having been The Blues captain when they previously won the Ridgeons League. He also captained King's Lynn when they won the Southern League - and he returns to the club from The Linnets.

'Obviously having Cranie back is a huge benefit to the team,' Gallagher said. We are bringing in a player of real proven quality who has played three levels higher than we did last year, so it's a fantastic addition to the Lowestoft Town squad and Mick and I are delighted to have him back at the club.'

With pre-season training ahead, it could also be the start of more movement at Crown Meadow, with 'other irons in the fire' for the management duo.

'One thing we can guarantee is that we already have a fantastic squad at Lowestoft,' Gallagher said. We are happy with the squad we've got, it's really competitive and we'll only add players who we think can improve the standard of football within the quality we have in our squad. We want young, hungry players that want to progress further,' he added.

The signing of Halliday comes after he previously played with Wroxham last season and Chapman admitted he is going to be a 'fantastic' addition.

'Matty has got a great background, he's a quality player who has been involved at Norwich. He will be a fantastic addition for us as he can play centre midfield and he can play along the back line as well.

'Both of these lads are quality and they will make a difference,' he added.

Looking forward to the new campaign, and new adventures ahead of them, Chapman added: 'It's a big challenge for us next year, but it's important we go into it with a big squad. You've got to remember though that we've got quality here already.

'At the end of the day, when you look over your shoulder and see that there is a quality bench there then the players know that they have to produce to stay in the side,' he added.

'In a way we are going into the unknown as well, but going into it with experience will help us big time.'

For more pictures and exclusive interviews with the new Town signings, see today's Journal.