LEISTON have added a third signing to their squad ahead of their first season in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Manager Mark Morsley has landed the signature of Brantham Athletic centre back Tom Wray, a former Leeds United Academy player who has also appeared for three semi-professional clubs in his native Northern Ireland, on a two-year deal.

Morsley said: “Tom works for Brantham chairman Peter Crowhurst’s firm, but his intention has always been to move up to a higher level.

“He is good friends with Nathan Munson, our goalkeeping coach who was previously at Brantham, and I think Steve Foley’s appointment as head coach turned his head.

”He is a good age, with good experience and a great lad who fits in with the criteria I am looking for. I know there were other clubs in the frame to sign him, but he was keen to join us.”

The 27-year-old, who follows Brantham Athletic striker Ollie Mann and Needham Market midfielder Danny Thrower, joined Brantham during the 2010/11 season and played a key role in the Suffolk side finishing third in the Ridgeons League Premier Division last season.

Wray, who had two trials with Ipswich Town as a youngster, subsequently joined Leeds United and played for the Yorkshire side at both Under-17 and Under-19 level.

He then moved back home and played for three Irish clubs – Institute, Dungannon FC and Ballymena – and appeared in the Intertoto Cup against Keflavik FC of Iceland and the Irish Cup final for Dungannon FC against Lingfield, before returning to England.