HOLLAND FC joint-boss Ray Turner is closing in on two marquee signings who he claims would be a major coup for the Thurlow Nunn League club.

The attacking duo have been plying their trade at a higher level and both have expressed a strong interest in joining the squad for pre-season training.

Turner was reluctant to name the pair, in case the situation changes, but is hopeful they will join and prove a major asset to the coastal club.

“It’s no secret we’ve got two main targets,” said the former striker, who has stepped up to become joint-manager alongside Rob Batten.

“Both are attacking players who are proven at a higher level.

“They’re quick, score goals and are real match-winners who will cause no end of problems for opposition defences.

“One has agreed to come to pre-season training.

“Hopefully he’ll like what he sees and agree to join, although I know he’s also been contacted by one other club.

“The other player is someone who made contact with us.

“He’s been playing and scoring goals at a much higher level, so if he dropped down to our division I’d like to think he’d get over 30 goals.

“I’m quietly confident both will join and it would be a real coup for the club.

“To get one would be brilliant but to get both would be amazing.

“It would stand us in really good stead for next season.

“We’re certainly going after them and I just hope we can get it sorted as soon as possible.

“I’d like to know sooner rather than later and certainly by the first week of pre-season training, so we know where we stand.”

The Holland players return for pre-season training on June 29.

Their first friendly is at home to Brantham Athletic on July 8 and they also have matches lined up against Stanway Rovers, on July 15, West Bergholt, on July 18, Gas Recreation, on July 22, and Harwich and Parkeston, on July 25.

Turner says other players have been in touch about joining and he also expects most of last season’s squad to remain, with the notable exception of Billy Wales, who is re-joining FC Clacton.

“I don’t like naming names because no-one really wants to commit,” he said.

“We’ve spoken to lots of players but now it’s a question of seeing who turns up for training and taking it from there.

“I hope we’ve kept the majority of last season’s squad. The majority will stay.

“Rob and I certainly have a clear idea of how we want to do things next season.

“We’re constantly talking about the way we’re going to play, systems and how we’re going to get out of the division next season.

“We’re not coming back until the end of the month and I’m happy with that. Four weeks is plenty.

“Players are naturally fit these days.

“They go to the gym three or four times a week and it’s not like the past when players needed pre-season to get fit.

“From my experience, it’s better to have a rest and not come back too soon.

“That way the players are really hungry and missing their football, rather than coming back before they’ve had a proper break and a chance to recharge their batteries.”