HIS ultimate aim is to get promoted with Hampton & Richmond Borough – but just getting fit will do for Gary Holloway for starters.

Hampton last week brought the midfielder back to Beveree after a decade's absence playing for the likes of Aldershot, Stevenage and Farnborough.

But the returning hero admits he has some work to do on his fitness before he is able to truly make his mark again.

Holloway said: “I picked up a knee injury in the play-off game for Farnborough against Woking the season before last which pretty much kept me out for the whole of last season – but some of that was my choice as I wanted to make sure I was right.

“I'm feeling good now – I just need to get up to match fitness and get the sharpness back. I just want to get back playing really.

“It is a good club and I have some good memories from my first spell here, which is one of the reasons I came back.

“I hope to use my experience to get the club back to the level I know, and help the young players here progress – but it's about getting fit first and foremost.”

Beavers boss Mark Harper hopes to follow up the capture of Holloway with a few more signings over the next week, including that of former Dagenham & Redbridge striker Jon-Jo Bates.

But Harper has given up in the chase to re-sign frontman Joel Ledgister, who played a game for Chelmsford at the weekend.

He said: “I think we've lost out on Joel now, so we will need another striker, but if we start the season with just JJ Bates and Charlie Moone up front I won't be too disappointed, as I think we will have plenty of goals from midfield too.”

Harper may have more luck, however, getting veteran Darren Powell to re-sign after the former Brentford, Crystal Palace and Southampton centre-back played in Tuesday's friendly at Hanworth Villa.

Harper added: “Darren is so laid back but he's still here and wants to play. However, you have to treat his 37 year old body with tender gloves.”