Portland United sign trio of players

Midfielder Marcus Smith, defender Harry Thomas and forward Josh Leake have all agreed deals with the Blues.

The agreements are part of a busy summer for boss Franklyn Clarke, who has now signed 14 players.

After re-signing Smith, Clarke said: “Marcus is a player who joined us straight away when we came to the club.

“He is another young lad who gives his all every time he steps onto the pitch.

“Marcus will cover a lot of ground and make a lot of tackles – he can also carry the ball well.

“Marcus has a great attitude and is keen to keep developing and hopefully he will do that this season.”

READ MORE: Goalkeeping trio sign for Portland United

On Thomas, Clarke added: “Harry is a player who has everything to not only push the first-team centre-back straight away but to play at a higher level in future.

“He is very vocal, always talking to players around him and guiding some through games.

“He has a great turn of pace and is very composed on the football. Harry can both pick a pass and drive forward with the ball.

“We all believe if Harry continues in the manner that he has started, he will have a bright future.”

Finally, Clarke said of Leake: “Josh Leake is a player we are happy to have signed.

“He’s a young lad who had shown an interest in coming across to us and one we are happy to add to our squad.

“I have worked with Josh before and know of his qualities.

“Josh is an attacking player who can play a couple of positions. He’s good on the football and can go past players.

“We are hoping to help Josh continue to develop this season and hopefully he can produce some exciting performances in a blue shirt.”

Portland’s latest signings join Caleb Tennant, Louis Hankin and Reece Frost, who were announced on Friday.

Goalkeepers Mike Edgar, Josh Lucas and Sam Moggeridge plus captain Ryan McKechnie, vice-captain Ben Morris and Oli Lowes, Harry Hutchinson and Lewis Clarke have already penned deals at the Camp & Satherley Stadium.