Manager Neil Reynolds boosts his squad with several new recruits

We’re delighted to announce that manager Neil Reynolds and his coaching staff have been busy retaining players and recruiting several experienced, talented and exciting new players over the last few weeks ahead of our 20th season.

As well as signing experienced centre-back Ryan Qualter, which we announced in May, Reno has brought in seven new players and has given trials to two others. Many of the players have experience with Football League and National League clubs, so they bring a huge boost to the squad.

Our communications volunteers are busy interviewing all of the new signings so that we can introduce them all to you properly. Make sure you join the club’s WhatsApp Channel to be the first to see the video interviews with the new recruits in the coming days.

In the meantime, we can tell you that we have recruited players in almost every single position. We have a new goalkeeper, another new centre-back, new triallist fullbacks, a new central midfielder, a new left winger, and three new forwards.

Competition for places
Reno has also retained the services of 16 players from last season – see the list below – which means competition for places has never been stronger.

He said: “I’m delighted with the quality that we’ve brought in, and the retained list is really exciting too. We have some really talented players and I’m determined to get the best out of them.”

As well as the players who won the Fenix Trophy in May, we’re delighted to welcome back Callum Gribbin and Jay Fitzmartin from long term injury and illness.

Speaking of former Manchester United youth team star, Gribbin, Reno said: “On his day, Callum is probably the best player I’ve ever seen at this level – I don’t think anyone can touch him. He’s definitely got the ability to be playing as high as the Championship.

“We’re delighted to have him back, but I’d ask fans to remember that it can take another six to 12 months to get back to full match fitness, so please don’t expect too much from him too soon.”

And of Fitzmartin, he said: “Jay was one of our key signings last season and we’re delighted to have him back. He’s an electric winger and will add pace to the side. We stood by him as a club when he was ill and we’re delighted to have him back this season. Similar to Callum though – please be patient as it will take time for him to get back up to full fitness and reach his full potential.”

Friendlies
The new squad will start training together on Thursday 27 June, and they will take to the field for the first time when we host League Two Barrow at Broadhurst Park on Saturday 13^th July. Make sure you get along to our pre-season friendly fixtures to see how the team is shaping up, and buy your season ticket now to see them in action every week!

The retained list is as follows:

• Aaron Bennett
• Callum Gribbin
• Charlie Ennis
• Charlie Munro
• Charlie Oliver
• Curtis Jones
• Dec McLoughlin
• Dontai Gabidon
• Guy Hall
• Jan Palinkas
• Jay Fitzmartin
• Joe Ferguson
• Jordan Buckley
• Josh Askew
• Lewis Gilboy
• Michael Donohue

New signings

• Declan Evans CB
• Ryan Qualter CB
• Hayden Lindley CM
• Lewis Rawsthorn CF
• Jordan Preston CF
• André Mendes GK
• Jake Connelly FW
• Eddie Church CF