The prolific striker – who has twice won the golden boot and collected a Conference championship medal each time – is going for a hat-trick of titles next season after moving to Nene Park on a free transfer from Burton Albion where he scored 28 times last term.

As exclusively revealed in yesterday's Evening Telegraph, Diamonds last night set up a double deal with Clare and fellow forward Lee Phillips, who is due to arrive today from Torquay United for £17,500.

Clare said: "Obviously the club speaks for itself with its reputation and facilities. This is a massive club waiting for big things to happen.

"It was difficult to leave Burton after two very good seasons. It was a very enjoyable time and they thoroughly looked after me.

"But football is a short career where you have to move on and make decisions. I thought this was a superb opportunity for me to get another couple of years at a big club with aspirations of winning things.

"You've got to have a minimum target of 20-plus goals every year and that should be every striker's aim.

"I always set my sights even higher to keep myself hungry as I love
scoring goals. I've got a good feeling about this.

"Garry Hill has been in for me on three occasions and for whatever reason it never worked out – mainly geographically as I was never tempted to join a southern club.

"This time it was close enough to my family home in Lincolnshire. Once Garry approached me it was an easy decision.

"There are quality players here with experience and I'm sure the supporters will be even more excited when they see new faces coming in.
"Of course, when the club states its ambition to achieve things it's a big factor to sign.

"However it will be extremely tough with ex-Football League clubs plus Mansfield Town and Wrexham coming down.

"A lot of people were surprised when Diamonds finished below
mid-table when everything wasn't geared up. Now we are all set for a real push."


Click here to listen to ET sports reporter Mark Lea's review of last season.