CINDERFORD Town have wasted no time strengthening their squad in the New Year, with manager Stephen Cleal confirming three signings as he looks to drive the club forward in the second half of the season.

The Foresters have welcomed back Drew Heffernan and completed deals for Harry Leeson and Jack Watts, giving Cleal added depth, experience and creativity ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Heffernan returns to The Causeway for a second spell at the club, having previously been a popular figure in black and white.

The midfielder spoke of his excitement at coming back: “I’m delighted to be back at this amazing club. Cinderford holds a lot of good memories for me and I’m excited to wear the shirt again.”

Cleal said the move was straightforward once the opportunity presented itself: “He knows the lads, knows the league, and buys into what I am trying to do here and push the club forward.”

One of the headline signings is attacking midfielder and winger Harry Leeson, who joins from Bishops Cleeve and arrives at The Causeway with an impressive pedigree.

Leeson is a former Wales youth international and came through the academy system at Bristol City, before gaining senior experience with Stratford Town and Redditch United.

Leeson enjoyed a productive spell with Bishops Cleeve, scoring four goals and providing nine assists in 33 appearances for the Mitres, underlining his creative influence in the final third. His arrival is seen as a major boost for Cleal.

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Leeson said: “I’m just excited to join the club and work with Sooty, as I’ve heard and seen good things. I’m looking forward to getting going to help the team have a successful end to the season and moving forward.”

Cleal highlighted both Leeson’s ability and his desire to join the club despite other offers: “I’m delighted that Harry has agreed to come to The Causeway. He had options available at step four, so to get him here is great. He’s a good lad and very good technically, which can only be a good thing for us.”

Also joining Cinderford is Jack Watts, who reunites with Cleal after previously playing under him earlier in his career. Watts has represented Malvern Town, Evesham United and Stourport Swifts, and arrives eager to make an impact.

Watts said: “Absolutely buzzing to be here, meet all the lads and reunite with the gaffer. Cinderford has always been a big club and with its plans on and off the field it was a no brainer. I can’t wait to get going and hopefully play my part in helping the club achieve its targets.”

The trio of signings underlines Cleal’s intent to continue building a competitive squad capable of progressing this season and beyond.

With a blend of returning experience, proven non-league quality and the addition of a former Wales youth international, optimism is growing at The Causeway as Cinderford look ahead to the challenges of the months to come.