Worthing Thunder have announced their first signings of the summer and reassured fans a player-coach and investment are on the way.

But it looks unlikely the BBL outfit will have their full squad in place by the time they tip-off the new season.

Thunder, who have found it tough to make ends meet in the last couple of seasons, have been negotiating with investors in the United States throughout the summer.

They have also identified a player-coach to take over from veteran playcaller Dave Titmuss, who stepped down at the end of last season.

But they admit dealings have fallen behind schedule.

Now they have confirmed the arrival of front-court giants Shaun Durrant and John Nottley plus fellow Brit Adam Williams.

Chairman Frank Gainsbury hopes to tie up the all-important coach and import players in the coming days.

Gainsbury said: “We are in the final process of appointing a US-based player-coach and signing two further American players.

“We had hoped to resolve this before now but the deal we are putting together involves significant investment from a US third party.

“While we are very nearly there, some final administrative details still need to be put in place.

“We are reluctant to go public on this matter until the deal is irrevocably completed.”

Thunder go to Plymouth in the BBL Trophy two weeks tonight and it seems unlikely their full line-up will be in place by then.

More realistic targets are the first home fixture, against Guildford on October 3 or the beginning of league action at Cheshire a week later.

Gainsbury added: “The investment is important for the future of the club and, as such, it’s more important we look at the long-term rather than make a hasty decision.”

London-born Durrant, 29, is a 6ft 9in centre who has played for Leicester and Worcester while 6ft 11in power forward Nottley is 28 and spent last season with Spanish lower league outfit Molinense after a spell at Guildford.

Welshman Williams, 27, is a 6ft 3in shooting guard with considerbale BBL experience.