CHRISTCHURCH manager Ollie Cherrett has added a huge helping of experience to his squad after snapping up Billy Walker and Karl Yelland.

Defender Walker arrives from Hamworthy United, while Priory old boy Yelland returns to the club following a two-year absence from the game.

The pair’s vast knowledge of Sydenhams Wessex Premier will boost Christchurch following their promotion as champions of Wessex One.

Ex-QPR youth team player Yelland lists Wimborne, Hamworthy United, Bemerton and Winchester City among his former clubs and took time out due to other commitments.

Both Yelland and Walker are expected to feature when Priory visit Chichester City in the annual Steve Bernard Memorial Trophy today (3pm).

Christchurch complete their pre-season games campaign with a high-profile friendly against Southern League South outfit Salisbury on Monday (7.45pm).

Whites boss Steve Claridge is expected to bring his first-team squad to the MA Hart Stadium at Hurn Bridge.

Discussing the signings of Walker and Yelland, Priory manager Cherrett told the Daily Echo: “Jon Blake and David Legg, two big players for us last season, probably won’t be available until October due to work commitments.

“It was important we replaced them not just as players but as characters as well. Billy and Karl both have a wealth of experience and knowledge of Wessex Premier so that was crucial for us.

“Billy won the supporters’ player-of-the-year award at Hamworthy United and helped them achieve a club record highest finishing position.

“Karl hasn’t played for a couple of years and wanted to get back into it. By his own admission, he is not fully fit but we are getting him there. Both of them bring a lot of experience to the table and will prove to be very good acquisitions.”

Cherrett has been further boosted after sought-after trio Max Wilcock, James King and Kieran Douglas committed themselves to Priory.

The three, who all starred in Christchurch’s Wessex One championship-winning campaign, turned down offers from clubs higher up the pyramid.

Christchurch start their Wessex Premier season with a trip to Horndean on August 4 before travelling to Brockenhurst in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup seven days later.