JOHN Sussex believes his squad boasts strength in depth after confirming four more arrivals at Basildon United.

Ross Elsom, Clarke Bogard, Reece Hewitt and Gabby Adelowo have agreed terms ahead of tonight’s friendly at Takeley.

And Sussex is pleased with the Bees’ transfer business during the summer.

The Basildon boss said: “The new arrivals further strengthen our squad and I’m very pleased with how we’re looking heading into the upcoming season.

“None of these lads are inexperienced kids - they have plenty of experience at this level.

“Ross was previously at West Ham and Clarke was also there.

“Clarke was the first choice goalkeeper at Grays last season and he was also at Tilbury before that.

“Reece has been very good in training and I know him from our time together at Tilbury.

“He has impressed all of us in pre-season and he has been even better than I expected.”

Adelowo, who counts Billericay Town and Canvey Island among his former clubs, first caught Sussex’s eye a number of years ago.

And Sussex is overjoyed after finally getting the opportunity to work with the right-back.

“I wanted to sign Gabby when I was at Tilbury, but he went to Billericay instead,” admitted Sussex.

“In all honesty, I have been trying to sign Gabby for three years, so I’m pleased to have finally signed him.

“He was excellent against St Margaretsbury on Saturday.

“It’s fantastic to have him on board.”

Basildon will continue their preparations for a second consecutive season of Isthmian North football at Takeley tonight.

Takeley finished fifth in the Essex Senior League last term, claiming 23 wins from a possible 38.

The Bees head into the friendly having recorded a 5-0 victory over another Essex Senior League outfit - St Margaretsbury - on Saturday.

And Sussex will make changes to his side.

“We will rest a couple of players and take a squad of 15 to Takeley,” added Sussex.

“The plan is to give seven players 90 minutes and rotate the others.

“It will be a good test for us and it will be ideal.

“St Margaretsbury were a decent Essex Senior League side last season and Takeley also did well.

“On their own pitch, Takeley will pose different threats and it will be a challenging fixture.

“But you want this kind of game in pre-season.”