Leiston boss Glenn Driver says he has already been more than impressed with new signing Cemal Ramadan.

The 21-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Victory Road having spent last season with Bury Town where he scored 32 goals.

Driver sees him as an excellent capture and can’t wait to start working with him.

“As a football club we are looking to bring in some younger players and Cemal at 21 is simply an ideal fit. His age to us is important,” Driver said.

“And what has impressed me so much with him is his desire to want to progress up the non-league ladder.

“We had him watched three or four times last season. He lives in Cambridge, but wants to play for Leiston.

“I think that says a lot about the club, as well as what Cemal wants for his football.

“I’m really pleased to have him on board.”

Ramadan was indeed a star player at Ram Meadow last season, 27 of his goals coming in the Isthmian League North.

He comes into a Leiston side who have already seen Byron Lawrence, Darren Mills and Joe Marsden leave the club.

“We’ve had a few players go and we have had Cemal come in, I’m happy with the way it is shaping up,” Driver said.

“We are talking to a few more players at the moment, including a couple of youngsters.

“Last season I think I lost about eight players during the summer, but we re-built well, finished fifth and won the Suffolk Premier Cup. So, there is no panic from me.”

Leiston, like Needham Market and Lowestoft will play in the Southern Premier Division next season.

It will mean more treks west, than south for all three clubs, but a challenge Driver is looking forward to.

“It’s an opportunity to test ourselves against different opposition,” Driver added.

“I think it maybe a bit more physical, but we won’t change the way we play.”

Meanwhile, in the Thurlow Nunn Premier, Hadleigh United will be playing Premier football next season. Despite finishing six points behind Haverhill Borough in the final relegation spot, Borough’s ground has not met the standard.