HALSTEAD Town manager Mark McLean is delighted with not only adding strength to his squad this summer, but also holding on to his prized assets as they bid for Thurlow Nunn League division one south success this season.

With his team finishing third last year, McLean said it was "non-negotiable" that any new players would have to fit into his close-knit group and he has been pleased to see that happen.

However, he has been equally happy to hold on to key players after their form last season aroused interest from clubs at higher levels.

"There is a great feeling about the place," said McLean.

"I knew that we didn't need any great upheaval as we were so close last year, but the new lads have had a great impact.

"We have the pace that I was looking for, but also the culture that I wanted - that little bit of game craft that we lacked at times last year.

"I think the group from last year would have built it anyway after the experience they had last year and they'll be better for that, but the lads we have added in also bring it.

"We have plugged gaps that needed to be plugged and the biggest thing for me was player retention, which we have achieved and I'm feeling very positive."

Halstead kick off the division one south season with a home game against Wormley Rovers on August 3 and conclude their pre-season campaign by entertaining Witham Town - who are now led by former Humbugs boss Marc Benterman - on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) and then Saffron Walden Town on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Of the players that McLean has brought in this summer, he feels striker Ricky Gardener will strengthen his team's goal threat.

The Humbugs boss said: "Ricky is an out-and-out goal scorer and that's what we need.

"We would have easily been top of the scoring chart last year had we finished more of the chances that we created and I believe Ricky can bring us that.

"I think we missed more than we scored and I was adamant that we wouldn't allow that to happen this year.

"Ricky was at Heybridge and has then been away in Australia for a bit but we have got him at a good time.

"He's exactly the type of person I want to work with and I think he's a great addition.

"He is a young player, but someone who has played in some big games and is just what we needed as a goal scorer."

Alex O'Leary, meanwhile, is back for a second spell at Halstead, having been at the club on loan in 2010 when he was a youngster with Colchester United.

McLean added: "Alex has come back to the area after playing at a good level and he can play in various positions for us. "He is predominantly a left-sided midfielder but he can be versatile and I'm really excited to have him on board.

"He knows Jordan Pavett from their days with Colchester United as youngsters."

Completing the quartet of new signings are Rocha Fosker and Liam Whitehead.

"Rocha is a young player with really good energy and he has a bit of bite about him," said McLean.

"He was training with the first team at Brightlingsea last year but then getting his minutes with the reserves and was keen to come over to us. "He's settled in really well and I'm very pleased to have him.

"Liam is another very versatile player and he's come to us after finishing the season at Wivenhoe Town last year under Gary Monti.

"I had him at Heybridge and I know he can cover a few positions and has been a good player to add to the group."