Steve Chaplin and Daryll Thomas both played for Dunkirk last season in the East Midlands Counties League and helped the Nottingham-based outfit win the title to earn promotion to the Midland League Premier.
Previously of Shepshed Dynamo and Bardon Hill, Chaplin fired 8 goals in the final five games of last season to ensure Dunkirk lifted the league title, while Thomas, who netted 20 times last term, has higher league experience and counts Matlock Town, Belper Town and Rugby Town among his former clubs.
New manager James Jepson (pictured) says the duo complement each other well, with Chaplin good at bringing others into play while Thomas’ strength is playing off the shoulder.
On the additions, he told his club`s official website: “We’re looking to be successful and these two played together last season and won a league at the same level as our own. I’m really pleased to get both of them.
“We’re getting agreements with players who want to sign. We want a winning mentality and each player who we’re signing has won titles.”
He also expanded on the type of player that the fans can expect to see from the two strikers next season.
“Chaplin is a real team player, he brings others into play well and scores his fair share of goals.
“Daryll can do that as well but is more of a finisher and a poacher and can work with Chappo, who will create the chances and Daryll will put them away.
“Both have played Evo-Stik League football, so hopefully they’ll find some successes with us this season.”
Jepson and John Ramshaw have wasted no time in getting down to business, with another pair of players agreeing to be a part of Jepson’s squad next term.
A well-known face to Hinckley fans from the United days, Sam Belcher has spent time with Rugby Town and Atherstone Town in recent seasons.
Formerly of Nuneaton Town and Chasetown, the midfielder played under Jepson at Rugby and has verbally agreed to become part of AFC’s squad next season.
The other new player to agree to join is another former Hinckley United man.
Louis Hamilton played against AFC last season when he came on as a substitute for Deeping Rangers in the Buildbase FA Vase.
The pacey former Kettering Town and Stamford man, who can play on the wing or up front, spent time with Leicester City in his youth.
However, one man to leave the club is last season’s leading scorer Steve Hart.
He has signed for recently promoted Walsall Wood to play in the Midland League Premier Division next term, and the club would like to thank him for his memorable contribution and wish him all the best at a higher level.
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