John Murphy has managed to obtain the commanding centre half he's been desperately searching for former Swindon Town starlet Bryan Smith.
The 6'1" stopper was one of the stars of the scholarship programme introduced by Town in the late 90s.
Smith was one of the youngest players ever to make a first team appearance for the Robins, and was only released when boss Andy King had to make a straight choice between him and the now established Adam Willis back in April.
Smith also trained with Celtic as a 16-year-old, after impressing former supremo Kenny Dalglish.
Still only 18, Smith has opted to sign for Marine after enjoying a string of trial appearances at Hunts Copse.
"Bryan is just the type of player I've been looking for," said Murphy.
"He is very athletic and he has a good build even though he's still very young.
"He has a lot of promise."
The highly-rated youngster will be joined in Marine's defence by former favourite Darren McCluskey, who also played in Marine's 3-1 win over Oxford City on Saturday.
McCluskey returns after spending the early part of last season at Hunts Copse under the Clive Maguire regime, before quitting to join rivals Gloucester City.
Both Smith and McCluskey starred in Marine's excellent victory over Ryman League Oxford at the weekend.
Fellow new boy Warren Fuller continued his fine goalscoring form by firing home a 25-yard opener on 17 minutes.
Fuller struck a post seconds later with a carbon copy.
McCluskey then had a headed goal chalked off before the break.
Pete Macklin doubled the advantage on 50 minutes, and although Oxford pulled one back, Tom Jones had the final say from the spot after Macklin was impeded.
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