Gary Johnson has spoken exclusively to the official website after the capture of two new signings in one day.

The boss was delighted to secure the services of ex-Portsmouth defender Andre Blackman and Colchester United goalkeeper Dean Gerken ahead of the players' first day back at training.

And he told bcfc.co.uk: "It's great because I wanted players in for the start of pre-season training and we've got three now.

"I gave some players deadlines and it sometimes comes off, sometimes it doesn't. I just don't want lots of players coming in midway through pre-season having missed a lot of training.

"There are still one or two other players we're speaking to, who we've only just started negotiating with so we'll see how they pan out."

Of Andre's arrival, Gary said: "He's been with us for a little while since his release from Portsmouth, and we've had to wait and see how he would respond to surgery on his ankle.

"It'll be mid-August before he can start playing and he'll have to go through a few reserve games, although he'll be training with us come the end of July.

"But our medical people are happy with his ankle and feel the surgery has been a success.

World TV: Andre Blackman video exclusive
World TV: Gary Johnson video exclusive

"He's a young left-sided, left-footed player. That's something we haven't had in the squad.

"He's got fantastic pace and a very good athlete. I reckon he'd give Ivan Sproule a good run for his money! Get the wagers in now."

Speaking about Dean's arrival from Colchester, Gary said: "He's got that ability to compete with Adriano (Basso) and Stephen (Henderson) for the goalkeeper's jersey.

"I like his enthusiasm and he's always played well against us in the past. He already has Championship experience through two seasons at that level with Colchester and now he's determined to get another shot at it.

World TV: Dean Gerken video exclusive
World TV: Gary Johnson video exclusive

"Dean is very highly thought of in the game and only a few years back was unlucky not to get his dream move to West Ham, but we're delighted he's on board with us now.

"Adriano's got just this season left on his contract and we've offered him a new deal. We hope he will sign it, but anyway he's still here for another year. We'll try very hard to keep him but even Adriano needs competition."

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