Whitehawk have sent out a warning message to their title rivals with the capture of three new players.

Manager Darren Freeman is determined not to let a great opportunity slip from his grasp as he chases a third promotion in four seasons.

Hawks remain top of Ryman premier despite being held to draws by two of their title rivals in the last two matches.

Freeman believes his squad needs strengthening for the run-in to the season and yesterday completed the signings of Paul Hinshelwood, Charlie Henry and Charlie Losasso.

Former Albion defender Hinshelwood has arrived on loan from Havant and Waterlooville for the rest of the season. Hinshelwood captained Albion’s reserves but was released in the summer of 2007 without making a first team appearance and subsequently had a spell at Torquay United.

Midfielder Henry has joined permanently from Macclesfield. The former England C international has also played for Newport County, Luton Town and Aldershot.

Losasso, who has joined on loan for the rest of the season, is a second year professional at Reading where he is to make a first team appearance. He had a loan spell at Salisbury earlier this season and is considered a midfield replacement at Whitehawk for Tommy Fraser, who is now playing in Australia.

Freeman said: “Paul Hinshelwood knows a lot of the lads, which I feel is a good thing. He can play in a number of positions and is a good addition to the squad.

“Charlie is a tricky player with two great feet and one of those really exciting players.

“We had to beat off competition from a number of teams, some in Conference premier, to sign him but I sold the club and our ambition to him.

“Charlie Losasso is a central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball and can make things happen. We wanted to bring in someone similar to Tommy Fraser and we feel he is the right person.

“I need an extra 10% from each of my players and competition for places will help that.

“It also gives me cover in every position.”