NEW Gosport Borough boss Craig McAllister has signed defender Lukas McCartney from Alresford Town.

A Southampton youth product, McCartney also had spells with Swindon and Eastleigh. He had spent 18 months with the Magpies in the Sydenhams Premier Division, making 45 appearances last term.

It will have come as no surprise to Alresford that he is getting his chance of Southern Premier football. Manager Richard Luffman rates him highly and feels he is equipped to play at a higher level.

The Magpies tweeted: “Good luck to Lukas McCartney next season. A top player who has been a big part of our side for the last two seasons.”

McAllister has also swooped for right-back Lewis Tallack, a former Portsmouth Academy player who has since played for Poole Town, Winchester City and, most recently, Wessex champions Blackfield & Langley where he made 47 appearances in 2017/18.

Rob Flooks, Harry Medway, Sam Lanahan, Ryan Pennery, Joe Lee and James Harper have also signed for Borough for 2018/19.

Gosport’s first pre-season run-out is against promoted National League South champions Havant & Waterlooville at Privett Park on Wednesday (July 4, 7.45pm). They then host Eastleigh on Friday (July 6, 7.30pm).

Former AFC Bournemouth striker James Hayter has parted company with Havant at the age of 39. Fellow frontman Matt Tubbs has also left Westleigh Park to become player/coach alongside McAllister at Gosport.

On the incoming side, the Hawks have signed frontman Nicke Kabamba from Portsmouth, Dartford striker Alfie Pavey and ex-Millwall and AFC Wimbledon defender Paul Robinson.