HYDE United have made Luke Hinsley and Tony Donaldson their first summer signings.
The pair join a largely unchanged squad with 22 players re-signing from the 2020-21 season.
Hinsley, 31, is experienced at Northern Premier League level having played for Buxton, North Ferriby United, Frickley Athletic, Matlock Town and latterly Grantham.
Tigers’ manager Dave McGurk said: ‘’Luke gives us a different option at the top end of the pitch.
He’s caused our centre halves all sorts of problems with his physical presence when we have played against him over the years.
“He’s another player who can score goals and we now have great competition at the top end of the pitch.’’
Donaldson, 23, joins Hyde after spending last season at Ramsbottom.
The midfielder was a graduate of the Liverpool FC Foundation College and earned a moved into the Football League with Doncaster Rovers.
Donaldson also had spells on loan at Telford before moving to Marine, Colne and then Ramsbottom.
McGurk said: “Tony been on our radar since impressing us when playing for Colne in a pre-season game two years ago.
“He gives us something a little bit different to what we have in midfield or in wide positions and he can play in both.
“He’s technically very good and is a very intelligent player. We feel we can improve his game further and I expect him to be a big player for us.’’
Strikers Liam Hardy and Ethan Beckford were the final players to sign back on for the coming season and will be hoping for more time to impress with last season having been cut short.
McGurk said: ‘‘Liam was a big signing for us last season and we are delighted he has committed for this season. If we can give him the right service, he will score the goals we need to be challenging the top end of the table.
“He’s a goalscorer, which is something have probably lacked someone who has that born instinct since Matt Beadle a few years ago.
They followed on from Chinedu Uche, Theo Bailey-Jones, Harry Benns, Seydou Bamba and Carter Waters who all agreed terms just after the last Correspondent went to print.
Wide attacking player Uche, 22, who made one first-team appearance for Oldham Athletic, joined Hyde last season having taking time out from the game following his release by Latics.
McGurk is delighted former Oldham Athletic player Uche is staying: “Chinedu was a key player for us in the short season we had last year.
“He’s full of pace and energy and for a young player he’s got a fantastic understanding of the game.
He can adapt to any formation we play, and I’ll be expecting him to contribute to our goals for column this season.’’
Bailey-Jones, 27, also a winger, arrived after two years at Stafford Rangers having earlier also starring for Stalybridge Celtic.
He has also had to battle back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained playing against Hyde in August 2019.
McGurk said: “Theo’s looking sharp in the training we’ve had so far. We were aware when we signed him last season it may take a few months to see the best of him.
“He’s had a career threatening injury and I’m glad he’s come back looking in good shape. He’s technically gifted and can offer us a bit of everything in terms of a wide man.’’
Attacking midfielder Benns, 21, who began his career at Port Vale, is another player who has had injury issues.
McGurk explained: “Harry is another one who’s looked sharp, and the lockdown period has worked out well for him.
“He’s got trust back in his ankle and now it’s time for him to kick on. He’s someone who rarely gives the ball away and now we are looking for him to take his game further with goals and assists.’’
Ivory Coast born Bamba, 27, who once starred for Italian side Fiorentina U19s, is a striker McGurk described as the “sharpest player in the league”.
He said: “Seydou’s one-against-one ability is frightening. We need to work on his understanding in and out of possession.
“His attitude is brilliant, and he has the opportunity to impress in pre-season.’’
Winger Waters was one of the stars of Hyde United’s excellent run to the first round of the FA Youth Cup and McGurk added they have high hopes for the academy graduate.