Andover welcomed home two signings to the Portway this week as Phil Andrews and Danny Barker joined the Lions' promotion push.

Andover-born Andrews, a former professional star at Brighton and Hove Albion, joins Andover from Weymouth and Dorchester, where he has been playing in the Ryman league. And Portway regulars will recognise Barker (pictured right, with the Jewson Wessex trophy) from his days in red and black -- he captained Andover in their league-winning year two seasons ago. After a year at Totton, it will be a welcome return in the heart of defence for the former skipper.

Lions boss Howard Goddard was delighted to capture the pair's signatures this week. He told the Advertiser: "A lot of teams wanted to sign Phil, so I was very pleased that he wanted to come and play with us.

"He's an exceptional player, and an Andover boy as well. The fact that he wanted to come and play for us shows you where we're heading."

The signings of Andrews, 26, and Barker, 24, send out a clear message to Andover's Wessex league rivals of the Lions' title aspirations. And Goddard told the Advertiser he was looking long-term with the signings, saying: "The good thing is, they're at an age where, if and when we do get into the Ryman league, we can take them with us without having to look to a new squad.

"Both players have shown their abilities, and you're always looking to strengthen your squad. We're looking for players who aren't just comfortable at this level, but who are looking to further their careers with us when we do progress -- and who are good enough to do it."

It will be a reunion in the Andover defence for Barker, who will join former table-topping team-mates Alan Kennedy, Kieron Drake and Glen Damen.

Meanwhile, Andrews (above) is returning to his roots, and is now playing for his local club. Both men are on one-year contracts, with an option for a further year.

Goddard said: "It's good that both lads have got ties to the area, and they're the kind of characters who will fit in with our team as well.

"I couldn't have got two better signings than this. Danny can play in midfield as well as at the back, and Phil can play in midfield as well as up front."