If Hampton & Richmond Borough are to return to the Conference South at the end of next season, then the signatures of striker Charlie Moone and goalkeeper Seb Brown are key first steps.

The pair both agreed deals at the Beveree in the past five days with Moone signing forms at the weekend and Brown committing to next season on Tuesday.

Moone was the club's leading scorer last season - passing the 100-goal mark for Hampton along the way - while former AFC Wimbledon shotstopper Brown kept cleansheets in vital wins over Kingstonian, Canvey Island and Bury Town as Hampton secured Ryman Premier League safety with a game to spare.

Chairman Steve McPherson has been keen to stress Hampton are loosening the purse strings to finance a push for promotion next term and has so far been true to his word.

Former Ks striker Andre McCollin remains on boss Alan Dowson's wishlist and pairing him with Moone is a Ryman League dream team in the making.

The ex-Kingsmeadow chief will face stiff competition from Kingstonian for the former Yeovil Town man's signature, but McPherson has already been impressed with the tenacity of his manager.

"Everyone knows Charlie is instrumental to the club and he is going to be absolutely vital to us as we aim to push on next season and get into the Conference South," he said.

“We put the hours in to make it happen and thanks to great work from the board and of course from Alan Dowson, who is really showing his worth to us already, we’re thrilled to tell fans that one of their favourite players will be representing the club again.

“Dowse has been working hard on this since the end of the season so a lot of credit is due to the manager.

"Charlie showed his quality by scoring his 100th goal for the club last season so we’re thrilled to get this over the line.”

Brown, who started his career at Brentford, made the penatly saves that secured the Dons a return the Football League in 2011 and has huge experience between the sticks - despite being just 25 years old.

He played Hampton's final 10 games last season, after Brentford loanee Mark Smith quit the club in March, and secured four shut-outs in all. 

"Seb has been a revelation to work with, his attitude has been spot on and I'm so happy he's chosen to play for us next season," said Dowson.