MARK Bentley believes he has signed three players that will give Canvey Island ‘an extra 20 per cent’.

Michael Finneran, Sammy Knott and Albert Levett have sealed moves to the Gulls.

And Bentley, who took charge of the Isthmian North side in October last year, insists the trio jumped at the chance to join Canvey.

The Gulls’ boss said: “I want to get lads that really want to play for Canvey into the club.

“We targeted Michael, Sammy and Albert quite early and they were some of the easiest conversations I have had when looking to sign a player.

“I only had to speak to each of them for 10 minutes because they were desperate to come here.

“It’s really important that you have some local players because those players give an extra 20 per cent.

“From what I have seen, the fans are happy to see them joining us and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

Bentley has made four signings since the end of the Isthmian North campaign, with George Purcell also switching from Hornchurch.

And Bentley feels the quartet bring some much-needed character to the squad.

The former Southend United midfielder added: “When we were on a losing streak last season, we wanted characters that would get us out of the rut.

“There is no hiding place and Sammy knows the club really well because he comes from Canvey.

“I think Michael and Albert came to watch the club as a kid, so they have a good connection with the fans as well.

“George Purcell is another great signing for us and he is a fantastic character.

“He has come in to be successful with us.”

Meanwhile, Kane Gilbert, Josh Hutchinson, Ryan Melaugh, Adetayo Osifuwa, Harry Palmer and Elliott Warren have committed their future to the club.

Jake Jolliffe and Alex Stephenson will also return for pre-season to continue their rehabilitation after lengthy injuries.

But Bentley is keen to welcome some more fresh faces to the Isthmian North club.

“I need to make sure that I bring the right players into the club,” admitted Bentley.

“We want to get a few more players in, but I am not panicking at all.

“I’m hoping to bring three or four new players in before pre-season and my aim is to work with 20 players this season.”