NEWTOWN have stepped up their squad building ahead of the new JD Welsh Premier season with a double signing.

Defender Ben Bailey arrives at Latham Park from Northern Premier League side Hednesford Town while former Wales under 16s striker Sam Phillips has also joined having returned to the area following a season at IFK Ostersund in Sweden.

The duo follow midfielder Damien Allen and defender Callum Roberts in joining the Mid Wales club this summer.

Manager Chris Hughes was hailed the arrival of the duo with 27 year old Bailey arriving with a decade of Northern Premier League experience with Hednesford Town and a brief spell with National League North side AFC Telford.

Meanwhile Bishops Castle based teenager Phillips came through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers before spells with Midland Premier League side Haughmond Town and a season in Sweden with second division side IFK Ostersund.

Hughes said: “Ben became available to us, and to bring someone in with his experience is fantastic. He’s a leader, a big presence and a threat.”

Bailey was joined by Phillips in impressing in Newtown’s 6-0 pre-season win over Llanfair United last week.

Hughes added: “Sam has been great since his arrival. His attitude has been first class. He has impressed us, especially with his performance last week and are pleased he has agreed to sign.

“He is quick, has bags of skill and we believe he can be a real asset to us in the coming season.”

Meanwhile long serving midfielder Tom Goodwin and striker Ethan Jones have become the latest players to commit for the new season.