SLOUGH Town joint-manager Neil Baker explained the deal to sign Sam Togwell was a ‘no brainer’ and he will make them stronger next season.

Togwell, 33, joins The Rebels after a two-year spell with Eastleigh in the National League and will link up with brother Lee at Arbour Park.

The midfielder began his career with Crystal Palace in 2002 before playing in the Championship with Barnsley and Scunthorpe United.

He made 159 appearances and scored five goals for The Irons between 2008 and 2012, and Baker knows his experience will be invaluable to Slough.

Baker told the Observer: “Sam has signed now but it probably came about only last week. It was not planned as such as we thought he would not be available to us.

“He had plenty of other clubs after him but, after a change in circumstances and starting a new job, he got in contact with us.

“He was looking to find a more local club and, with his brother being her already, he felt it was a real good fit for him.

“We’ve agreed a deal and it was a bit of a no-brainer really. Sam is very experienced and will hopefully make us stronger.

“His experience is second to none, he has been captain most places he has been, and played over 100 times in the Championship and you never underestimate that.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough Town joint-manager Neil Baker has explained the deal to sign Sam Togwell was a no-brainer once the midfielder became available.

Slough have also handed a trial to a player that was released by Coventry City this summer.

The Rebels return for pre-season training this Tuesday and Baker believes a four and a half week summer campaign is enough preparation.

He said: “We start back a bit later than some clubs but we made the decision based on our fitness levels this time last year and how fit we looked at the end of the season.

“There were not many fitter sides than us and that showed in the amount of games we played and the run we went on.

“I struggle to think about starting pre-season in June and four and a half weeks is enough for us. We’re looking forward to it.”

The fixtures for the new National South season get released on Wednesday and Rebels supporters are getting excited about a possible opening-day match against the likes of Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet or Torquay United.

Baker said: “There are so many games that are so attractive in this league.

"It would be nice to get a home game against a big team in terms of getting a decent crowd in and starting with a win over one of the favourites."

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