Whitehawk boss Steven King has finally captured powerful midfielder Arnaud Mendy – two years after first trying to sign him.

Mendy and experienced former Torquay winger Danny Stevens have become Hawks’ first summer signings.

Boss King revealed he set out to land Mendy the moment he took over at the Enclosed Ground.

The 6ft 3in midfielder began his career in England with Derby County, making his Championship debut in a 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in 2009.

He later played under King at Macclesfield and joins the Hawks after a season with Lincoln City.

Stevens, 28, began his career as a junior at Tottenham before a short stint at Luton Town. He then joined Torquay and went on to make more than 200 first team appearances for the Devon club, scoring 28 goals.

The 5ft 4in wideman joins Whitehawk after a year out of football when he was setting up his own business as a personal trainer.

King said: “I have been after Arnaud for two years since I came to the club.

“When I was at Macclesfield I sold him to Luton for £50,000. He signed there for two years and was at Lincoln last season.

“I have been talking to him for a while. He was always one of my No.1 targets but was someone I just couldn’t get. However, now I have got him.

“He is a good athlete, a strong, holding midfielder.

“Danny Stevens had a good upbringing. I have known him since he was at Spurs where he was for a number of years. He then had five years at Torquay and played more than 200 games.

“He didn’t play last season because he was setting up a business in London but as a personal trainer he is fit.

“Danny may only be 5ft 4in but he has good dribbling attributes, creates things and scores goals.

“I’m really pleased to get them both. I have another four signings I’m hoping to make.”

Whitehawk have a friendly on Whyteafe’s 3G pitch today before visiting East Grinstead Town on Tuesday.