SWINDON Supermarine assistant manager Lee Spalding is backing Ryan Stanners to make the grade in the Southern League this term.

The young striker, who spent last season at Wootton Bassett Town, bagged a brace in Saturday’s pre-season friendly 2-2 draw with Highworth Town.

And Spalding feels that Stanners is now ready for life at the next level.

“Ryan played a game for us the season before last,” Spalding said. “Last year he stayed at Wootton Bassett and to be honest I think that has done himm good.

“He has got all the attributes to make it in the Southern League, but he is only young so we don’t want to put too much pressure on him.

“He is showing good signs and hopefully it will prove to be a good signing.”

Spalding says that Supermarine should be at full strength when they tackle Didcot Town next weekend after he played the final 20 minutes at the Elms.

“I think that tells it own story with me playing the final 20 minutes,” he said. “But it was a good exercise and a few lads got another 90 minutes and both Ryan’s goals were good finishes.”

Meanwhile, Supermarine have completed the signing of Bradley Gray after the striker spent the early part of the summer at Hungerford Town.

Shrivenham went down 2-1 in their pre-season friendly at Melksham Town.