STEVE Butterworth has strengthened his options ahead of Great Wakering Rovers’ Isthmian North curtain-raiser at Felixstowe & Walton United.

German striker Brandon Diau, who counts Truro City among his former clubs, and right-back Anthony Furlonge have joined.

And Butterworth is pleased to have the duo on board.

“Brandon and Anthony have been on trial with Cheshunt and Craig Edwards, who is the manager there, told me they were available,” said the Wakering player-manager.

“We needed a striker and Brandon is 6’7”, so he will be a great targetman with experience in the German professional leagues.

“We were also after a right-back and Anthony can fill that role, so we’re stronger now.”

However, Butterworth knows that Wakering will need to be at their best if they are to triumph on the opening day of the season tomorrow.

“Felixstowe have a lot of support and there is a good set-up there,” added Butterworth.

“I’m expecting them to have a good season and be in the top half of the table at the very least.

“It will be a difficult game for us but they liked to play out from the back last season, so we will be looking to exploit that if they do the same this time.

“We’re hoping we can get off to a good start.”

Butterworth has also added former Brentwood Town boss Craig Shipman to his backroom staff following a brief spell as first team coach at newly-promoted Hullbridge Sports.