Bognor Regis Town sign four as Danny Hollands’ 2026-27 squad takes shape

Defender Tommy Block, attacker Charlie Glasspool, utility man Kaya Tshaka and winger Lennie Smith have all signed on again as the Rocks boss plots to challenge in the Isthmian South Central division.

Hollands and No.2 Ben Kneller came in to Nyewood Lane to manage the outfit with 10 games remaining last term and turned around the fortunes on the pitch eventually guiding the side from the threat of relegation to a mid-table finish with a morale-boosting unbeaten run of games.

Now they want to stamp their own mark on the selection process of recruiting the personnel chosen to represent the club and feel the first four aces retained showcase that intention.

The first tranche of players expressed a real desire to play under Hollands and revealed a love for the Rocks as part of their desire to stay.

Former Gosport Borough schemer Tshaka, who can operate in the back line or in midfield, said: “Obviously, coming here at the halfway point in the last season, I already enjoyed my time. I think the group was really good then and, obviously, the management team as well. I love being around the club. It’s a really good club.

“The facilities are really, really good, and the fans are even better. I love the new changing rooms too. To have space to prepare and warm down, with music, the lights and stuff like that. It’s a really good place to play, so I really enjoy it.

Meanwhile, home-grown youngster Smith says it was a no-brainer to put pen to paper. He added: “I’m really excited as it’s what I wanted to do for so long. I’m a local lad and just love Bognor. I used to come and watch when I was younger — cycle down with a few of my mates and come and watch. Cheer on the team.

“In the coming season I’d love to play as many games as possible. I want to enjoy it and get more goals — more goals and more assists.”

Hugely experience Block says he didn’t hesitate when asked to remain at the Nye Camp. He said: “It’s my hometown club. Altogether, I’ll be going into my fifth season here. I live local, I’ve got a local business, local family and I lived here pretty much most of my life.

“This is my home club and the fans are great. It’s been really decent since Dutchy (Hollands) came and the facilities are ace – it just seems like the club is really on the up and it’s good to be part of it.”

And Glasspool, who joined late in the season on dual registration forms with Folland Sports, says he has targeted a strong start to the campaign hopefully helped by his goal-scoring prowess.

He added: “I joined towards the end of the season and only played a couple of games under dual signing, but I’ve really enjoyed the atmosphere of the club and the fans. It’s a great team and I really enjoyed the football.

“A highlight last season for me was the first start against Fareham and then scoring with a header in the first 10 minutes. That was a great feeling. I’m looking forward to a really strong pre-season and, hopefully, score a few more goals.”