St Albans City boss Ian Allinson has made a hat-trick of signings as he rebuilds his squad following last season’s dangerous flirtation with relegation.

The busy boss has brought in winger Rhys Hoenes, defender Josh Hill and forward Sam Merson as he looks to make an impression on the top half of the table this season.

Allinson came in during the second half of the season to steer the National League South club to safety with a tremendous late run of form and he is looking to build on that impressive turn-around next term.

He told his club’s website: “We’re adding some real quality to the side now and looking to build towards a bright future for the club.”

Speedy winger Hoenes comes in from Royston Town where he won 26 penalties for the Crows last season.

A delighted Allinson told his club’s website: “His pace is frightening and it’s an element which we lacked last season. We’ve been following his progress for a while and we know he had more than a few options on offer to him for next season but we’re delighted he chose to come to St Albans City.”

It is hoped he will provide the bullets for new striker Merson to fire.

He has come in from Southern Premier League side Redditch United after City fended off opposition from other clubs to land his signature.

Merson began the 2015-16 season at Biggleswade Town scoring 15 goals for them to earn himself a move to joined Redditch United in March where he scored eight goals in the run-in for the Southern League play offs.

Assistant manager Lee Allinson told the St Albans City website: “I’m extremely pleased we have managed to beat a host of other clubs to secure Sam’s signature, we look forward to working with him and seeing him in a Saints shirt next season.”

The signing spree at Clarence Park was completed with the capture of central defender Hill, who will be familiar in these parts.

He signed for neighbours Boreham Wood at the back end of the 2012-13 season from then Conference national side Dartford, and the tall Welshman was offered a contract for the 2014-15 season where he played an important role in helping Wood win promotion in his second full season at the club.

Last season Hill had loan spells at Hemel Hempstead Town and Havant and Waterlooville.