Former Peterborough Sports hero returns as club make further additions to playing and coaching staff

Experienced midfielder Lewis Hilliard has rejoined the club at the age of 35.

He spent five years at Sports between 2017 and 2022, helping the club win two promotions at steps four and three to reach the National League North.

He joins from divisional rivals Real Bedford and stood out in their play-off final against Spalding United but his efforts were ultimately in a losing cause.

One man who was on the winning side that day was Ben Hart. He did not appear in the match but was on Spalding’s books.

The 25-year-old full-back has now left the club though and joined Sports. He has previously has spells at Tamworth, Barwell, Coalville and Kettering Town.

Hart said: “Whilst last season at Spalding was good and we got promoted, I would have liked to have played more games but it was very much an injury hit season for me.”

“One of my biggest targets this season is to play every single game and back and enjoy football.”

Former Posh youth prospect Aaron Powell has left the club. The defender has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent. He made 30 appearances for the club, playing at both left-back and centre-back after signing last summer.

Boss Graham Drury has also secured the signing of Mark Ducket as his assistant manager.

Ducket left beaten play-off finalists Real Bedford last month after four years at the club.

Drury said: “Mark joins me this time as an assistant having worked with him before as a player at Corby.”

“Together we have won Step 3 but now this would be special to do it again as a partnership on the management side.”

“Mark coach Real Bedford last season, and not just myself but every manager in the league, agreed they were the best footballing team in the division.”

“He’s a great coach but more important he fits into the way we work as a management team.”

SPALDING UNITED

Spalding United have announced that they have retained more of the squad that won them promotion to the National League North.

Most notably, star man Jack Roberts has signed a new three-year contract keeping him at the club until 2029. He starred in the promotion run by scoring 28 goals and suppling 22 assists.

He commented: “The club is heading in a positive direction and that’s something I want to be a part of. Hopefully we can build on what we achieved last year. Achieving promotion was an amazing day, and hopefully there will be many more moments like that to come.”

The Tulips have also retained the services of Bart Cybulski, Yusifu Ceesay, Connor Johnson, Saleem Akanbi, Lewis White and announced the signings of centre-back Ashton Fox and midfielder Tom Pugh from Peterborough Sports and Halifax Town respectively.

Both Dan Lawlor and Nathan Fox have left the club.

STAMFORD

The Dannies have brought in Gary Brown as Head Coach to work alongside manager Anthony Fenton. He enjoyed a professional playing career with Bolton Wanderers before going on to work as a professional scout for several Premier League and EFL clubs.

Adam Harrison has arrived in between the sticks with from Quorn FC and almost 200 games under his belt at step three.

He is joined by 31-year-old midfielder Kieran Wallace. He has joined from Alfreton but has made 123 appearances across League One and Two with Sheffield United, Burton Albion and Mansfield Town. He has been capped by England at U16 and U17 level.

The club has also been boosted by legendary figure Jon Challinor committing his services as a player and coach for another year.