AFC Sudbury manager David Batch has pulled off a coup by adding prolific Lowestoft Town striker Jake Reed to his squad for next season’s Ryman League North campaign.

The 23-year-old former Dagenham & Redbridge striker plundered 20 goals in 36 games as the Trawlermen gained promotion to Skrill North but has joined Batch’s ambitious outfit and will be expected to fire the goals to mount a promotion push.

Reed’s goalscoring skills are expected to be complimented by the the prolific James Baker, who scored 16 goals in 36 appearances last season, fellow striker Steve Spriggs and another new signing, winger Kris Newby, who bagged 24 goals as Witham Town won promotion to the Ryman Premier last season.

“Considering Jake scored 20 goals in half a season for Lowestoft then I am really pleased with the signing,” said Batch.

“We have now got Jake, James Baker and Steve Spriggs who are all proven goalscorers at this level, who have all got the ability to score 20-30 goals and it gives us some more firepower.”

As well as Reed and Newby, Batch has also landed former Northern Ireland under-21 international Ryan Maxwell, who ended last season at Heybridge and defenders Craig Pope, who captained Grays last term and Lawrence Yiga, who has joined from Ware.

Also arriving at the club are Ayrton Coley, who scored 15 goals for Waltham Abbey last season and young midfielder Jack Guyton, 17, from Wroxham.

“I would hope the signings improve us as a group,” added Batch.

“That is always my aim, to try and get better.

“There is experience between the new signings and also a winning mentality and I think it is important to build on what we did last season.

“For a first time in a few years we reached a cup final (Ryman League Cup) and we want to try and kick on.

“We had a young side last season. I think we had three boys aged 28 and the rest were all under 23.”

The club will launch new under-18 and 21 teams this season and Batch revealed he has a number of young players ready to put pen-to-paper.

“They will be actively involved next season and in our pre-season games and will have as much chance as the more experienced players to get into the first team,” Batch said.

Midfielder Stuart Ainsley has also left Lowestoft Town.

Elsewhere, Bury Town’s Miles Smith and Jon Kennedy have re-signed for the Ram Meadow club.