PAUL Carden says Warrington Town’s signing of striker Josh Hine is “a massive statement of intent."

The 26-year-old frontman became Yellows’ second summer signing when he joined from National League North outfit Salford City.

Hine, who enjoyed a brief loan spell at Cantilever Park in the 2012-13 season, has been prolific in spells at Skelmersdale United, Clitheroe and Chorley earlier in his career.

Carden says the striker was offered the chance to turn professional with Salford, but circumstances have worked in Yellows’ favour.

“It is a great signing for us and it’s a massive statement of intent. It shows where we want to take the club,” he said.

“We sold the club to him and told him our ambitions of where we want to be and he’s really keen to be a part of it.

“Josh was offered the chance to turn professional with Salford, but he’s just set up his own business and he has invested a lot of time into that.

“Even with that, he still could have gone to clubs in the league above ours such is his goalscoring record.

“I think Josh felt it was important that he played for a team that was challenging at the top end of the league, which is what we want to do, rather than just floating around in mid-table.

“He still has ambitions to play professionally, but coming to us suits him at this time and we’re delighted to have him with us.”

Hine is the second striker to have signed for Warrington during the off-season after Tony Gray arrived from Welsh Premier League side Airbus UK last week.

Carden has not ruled out adding another attacking option to his squad but says he is happy with the way his side is shaping up going forward.

The Yellows boss also says any new signings have to be improvements on what the squad already has and is willing to be patient to get them.

“With Josh, Tony Gray and Ruben Jerome in place, and the likes of Dylan Vassallo in there as well, I think we will have plenty of goals and creativity,” he said.

“We could add another striker, but it is all about quality for me.

“I don’t want to sign players for the sake of it or fill the squad with players of the same ability.

“What I need is players who will improve upon what we already have.

“We’ve missed out on a couple already, but that’s what happens when you go for players from higher leagues.

“That is the kind of player we want to bring in. If that means we have to wait to get the right people in, so be it.”

The arrivals of Hine and Gray offset the departure of striker Dan Hattersley, who looks set to take up an offer to play in Australia.

“Dan has had a great offer and good luck to him,” Carden said.

“He’s found work and a good level of football in Australia so it’s a great opportunity for him.”

Midfielder Michael Monaghan has also decided to leave Cantilever Park to join Evo-Stik First Division North side Trafford.