The final kick of last season was just several weeks ago but the managers of Manchester’s non-league sides have already been busy bolstering their squads.
Stockport County, Hyde and Altrincham have all made notable signings while players are constantly putting pen to paper ahead of the upcoming season.
County boss Ian Bogie has strengthened his attacking options with the signing of Manchester-born striker Kristian Dennis from Curzon Ashton.
The forward netted 46 times last season and joins former Everton and Hyde forward Phil Jevons at Edgeley Park.
“Being a local lad who has played all my football in the area, I couldn’t turn down an opportunity to join County,” he told the club’s website.
“I know what a massive club they are and I’m really looking forward to playing at Edgeley Park for the first time.”
Experienced midfielder Ian Crayney – who lists Swansea, Accrington Stanley and Huddersfield Town as his former clubs – has also put pen to paper.
“A club like Stockport County is a big lure for any footballer so when I got the call to say they were interested there was only one place I was going to go,” said Crayney.
He finished last season at Telford United but will play alongside Jevons after the pair were first together at Huddersfield in 2008.
Hyde have also added to their squad with Scott McNiven’s first signing of the summer being midfielder Connor Hughes following his release from Oldham Athletic.
Altrincham boss Lee Sinnott has also wasted no time in replacing youngster Duncan Watmore – bound for Sunderland – with two new strikers.
James Walshaw joins from Guiseley while Kyle Perry joins after spending last season with Nuneaton Town with loan spells at Hereford United and Tamworth.
Walshaw spent time under Sinnott at Farsley Celtic alongside current Alty forward Damian Reeves and added that Robins midfielder Danny Boshell also helped him decide on the move.
The majority of last season’s play-off squad have now re-signed ahead of the new campaign.
Elsewhere in the Blue Square Bet North, Stalybridge Celtic have added Obi Anoruo from Vauxhall Motors to their squad, while Tom Buckley and Kristian Platt are the latest of seven players to sign up for next season.
Image courtesy of Ricard16, via Wikicommons, with thanks
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