Alan Devonshire had revealed at the Hampton & Richmond fans' forum last week that he was still looking to bring players into the Beveree and, in the run-up to last night’s game at Braintree, he duly showed his hand.

Joining the club from Farnborough FC is 22-year-old striker Michael Lee Charles. Despite his tender years the Blackwater based forward has already amassed over 150 appearances with Basingstoke and Farnborough, as well as a brief spell at Woking in the Blue Square Premier.

Charles boasts an impressive scoring record with 58 goals in 102 games for Farnborough and 12 in 33 for Basingstoke. Last year he was Farnborough’s leading scorer with 25 goals before falling victim to the Steve King revolving door at Cherrywood Road, as the former Lewes manager brought in the likes of Kezie Ibe, Dean McDonald, Anthony Thomas and Bradley Bubb.

Charles contract with Farnborough was cancelled on the 14th August and the Beavers pounced quickly to secure their man.

Charles will have to wait until at least Saturday for his debut as he did not make it off the bench in last night’s 2-2 draw with Braintree.

With stand in keeper Kevin Davies missing from the line up due to injury Chico Ramos also made his debut for the club after trialling in pre-season. Hampton have also added midfielder Pat Damali, from Walton Casuals and reserve team keeper Joe Talbot to the first team squad for the coming season.

Departing the Beavers are Steve Tyson who has joined Kingstonian, whilst both Robbie Kember and Keiron Knight have been released.

Hampton’s injury’s continue to mount however with Jamie Collins out for up to a month with a calf injury, Dean Wells pulled up in the warm up before last night’s game, feeling the effects of the injury sustained at Bromley on Saturday and both Graham Harper and Elliot Brathwaite limped off during yesterday evening’s game, with Harper looking at a 6 week layoff.

For Saturday’s trip to Bath Matt Lovett will be available following the completion of his suspension and both Ian Hodges and John Scarborough have made their return from injury.