SCARBOROUGH boss Russell Slade has again dipped into the transfer market to bolster his squad ahead of the new Nationwide Conference campaign with the capture of goalkeeper Leigh Walker.

The 21-year-old has agreed a deal for next season at the McCain Stadium following his release from league rivals Stalybridge Celtic.

Walker started his career under Slade at Sheffield United when the Scarborough boss was then youth-team coach at Bramall Lane.

And Slade is now looking to the Sheffield-born 'keeper, who also spent a season at Barnsley and then played for Emley before moving into the Conference with Celtic last January, to keep England semi-professional international Andy Woods on his toes.

"I know a little bit about him and he will endeavour to push Andy for his place," said Slade.

The Scarborough boss is now looking to add just two or three more players to his squad as they prepare for the start of pre-season training next Wednesday.

A target-man remains the number one priority with Dover's former Wycombe Wanderers striker Keith Scott heading a list of candidates, which also includes ex-Newcastle United man Tony Lormor, following his release from Hartlepool, lanky ex-Birmingham, Preston, Torquay and Doncaster forward Mark Sale, and Halifax Town's Steve Kerrigan.

Updated: 12:26 Thursday, June 27, 2002