DUDLEY Town manager Andy Wyton had plenty to smile about after snapping up the signature of Gornal Athletic hitman Ryon Francis-Mills.

Mills became to latest player to leave the Garden Walk Stadium when he agreed to join the West Midlands Regional League side and is set to link up with striker Dreniz Bala who has scored 67 goals in 83 games for Town.

The Robins boss has also made a double swoop on local rivals Dudley Sports for midfielder Craig Stevens and central defender Shane Priest while also persuading keeper Tommy Harper to return to the club after he left because of work coimmitments last year.

“Ryon did well at Gornal scoring more than 20 goals last season,” said Wyton. “Both Craig and he had teams come in for them who were offering decent money but they both were true to their word and came to us so I couldn’t be more pleased.

“With them in the side and all of last season’s squad seemingly set to stay the next logical step for us is to break into the top four.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d get either of them but now they are here I’m confident they’ll stay for the season.”

Wyton says he hopes to add an extra pre-season fixture this week against Chasetown if a venue can be sorted out. The game would take place on July 17.

“I spoke to Craig Harris (Chasetown boss) this week and he has a few triallists to look at so in all likelihood we’ll be playing them.

“Who knows, if he doesn’t pick them up maybe we might if they based in this area.”

Meanwhile, Gornal boss Brian Wright has taken his first steps towards rebuiding his side after the mass exodus of players to Tipton Town.

Wright has signed Pelsall Villa right-back Tom Hurdman and midfielder Craig Nolan.

The Peacocks chief has also brought striker Joe Mogg and Joe Wright from his former club Redditch United.

Pre-season training gets under way at 10am on Saturday at the Garden Walk Stadium. There will be another session on Tuesday at 7pm. Any local players are welcome to attend.