John Maggs believes his new-look strike force can fire Horsham’s promotion challenge next season.

Ben Andrews has arrived from Worthing and will partner Pat Harding, who has been snapped up after he was released by Eastbourne Borough.

Andrews can also play in central defence while Harding was sometimes used in a midfield role at Priory Lane, but Maggs plans to partner them up front.

Andrews scored 50 goals in 190 games for the Rebels, where he was also captain, while Harding netted 25 times in 139 appearances for Borough including their first goal as a Conference club last August.

Maggs said: “I’m delighted to have them on board. They have come to Horsham for the right reasons which are the type of football we play.

“At the end of the season I thought about who I wanted up front and Ben and Pat fit the bill. I’m quite flattered that they want to come to Horsham.

“Pat is a genuine lad who could have gone to another Conference club but decided we were the club he wanted to go for.

“I must have watched Ben a dozen times last year for Worthing. He can play at both ends but I’m going to play him up top.

“He was disappointed Worthing didn’t get promoted and wanted to play at a higher level and he’s excited about the challenge.”

Andrews admitted it had been a wrench to leave Worthing and although he is excited about a new challenge he may return to the club one day.

He said: “The club is changing and I felt I needed a change. This might not be the end and I wouldn’t rule out playing at Worthing again. Everyone has been great from my fellow players all the way through to the excellent fans, whom I shall miss.”

Only four sides scored fewer goals than Hornets in the Ryman Premier last season but Maggs is confident that record will improve, especially as creative players like Gary Charman and Lee Carney should both be fully fit after injury-plagued campaigns.

Maggs added: “We weren’t consistent goalscorers last season but this will make a difference. The club is moving in the right direction and I can’t wait to get going again.”

Eight of last season’s squad have also re-signed, despite all of them having to take a pay cut.

Maggs said: “Because of the circumstances at the club the team could easily have broken up but we’ve kept most of last season’s squad even though they have had to take a reduction in money. I have had my budget cut but the players know that the money on the table is guaranteed.

“They decided they all wanted to play for Horsham because they can see that the club is making progress.

“We are back in the town and there is already a tremendous air of excitement about the groundshare with Horsham YMCA.”

Maggs may make one more signing, possibly a midfielder, while Andrews’ first game for his new club could be against Rebels after Horsham arranged a pre-season friendly at Woodside Road on July 18.