GOSPORT Borough have signed 25-year-old defender Joe Oastler from Aldershot Town.

Manager Alex Pike was quick to get a replacement on board once Ryan Woodford had decided to drop down a division to play for relegated Havant & Waterlooville in the Ryman Premier Division.

Portsmouth-born Oastler began his career in Pompey’s youth set-up before switching to Bognor Regis Town.

But after just three games for the Rocks, he was signed by Queens Park Rangers who subsequently loaned him out to Salisbury City and Torquay United.

He moved to Torquay permanently in 2011 before moving back to Hampshire in 2013 with Aldershot.

Oastler follows a host of new signings into Privett Park.

The prolific Pike has already snapped up star striker Warren Bentley from Winchester City, goalkeeper Martin Rice and midfielder Aaron Dawson from Truro City, defender Tom Bird and forward Chris Flood from Basingstoke Town and frontman Jason Parish from AFC Portchester.

In addition TJ Cuthbertson and Adam Wilde have signed new deals, while 19-year-old ex-Saints Academy player Oli Bailey has been handed a first-team contract after successfully stepping up from the development squad last season.