Jimmy Cooper reckons his recent double swoop could be just the boost his Met Police side need ahead of the start of pre-season training.

The Blues, still smarting from coming up short in the Ryman Division One South play-off final at the hands of Cray Wanderers last season, have seen both top scorer Scott Forrester and Jamie Byatt announce their departure from Imber Court.

But Cooper insists his recent acquisitions of midfielder Rob Smith from Whyteleafe and Ashford Town striker Craig Wilkins will more than make up for that loss.

He said: “I’m delighted with both of the signings.

“One thing that we really lacked last season was someone who can win the ball in central midfield, and that is exactly what Rob brings to the table.

“Craig is one of the best, if not the best target men in the Ryman Division One South and he really impressed me when we played them last year.

“We are thrilled to have both of them at the club and that will give everyone a big lift.”

The Met boss also shrugged off the loss of Forrester, who returned to the Blues late last season after an unsuccessful spell at Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic.

He added: “To be honest I did not expect Scott to stay past this season.

“The Scott that came back to us was not the same player that left, and I think that was purely down to the fact that things did not work out for him.

“He will score goals wherever he goes and it is a blow for us.

“But with the players we have bought in, and with Craig Carley coming back, we still have plenty to be optimistic about. ”