Lewes have added former Portsmouth youngster George Branford to their list of summer signings.

The 19-year-old, from Ashington, has become the Rooks’ tenth summer capture.

Steve Brinkhurst has also committed himself to the club for next season after putting injury worries behind him.

Brandford was on loan at the Dripping Pan from Portsmouth last season, making ten appearances.

He was released by Pompey at the end of the campaign and has done enough in pre-season with Lewes to be offered terms.

Former Albion and Eastbourne Borough winger Brinkhurst was troubled by a knee injury for a lot of last season, although he still made 36 appearances for the club.

Brinkhurst wanted to prove to himself and the club that he would be fit enough to remain a key member of the squad.

Assistant boss Danny Bloor said: “It was a two-way thing with George. We wanted to look at him (in pre-season) and he needed to work out what he was going to do.

“He is a good player but he has still got plenty to learn.

“Brinky has had a good pre-season and he gives us options in a number of positions. A 100% Steve Brinkhurst is a Conference south player, not a Ryman premier player, so we are happy to have him.”

Lewes are continuing to look at their other trialists, including former Eastbourne Borough defender James Stinson who featured again in Wednesday’s pre-season game at Hassocks.