RADCLIFFE have confirmed the signing of five new faces ahead of the new Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign.
Paul Marshall, Jordan Carroll, Sully Sassad, Omar Ibrahim and Taylor Jones have all put pen to paper at the Neuven Stadium to take Lee Fowler to eight arrivals so far this summer.
Versatile Marshall adds some experience to the Boro ranks in either defence of midfield. After coming through the ranks at Manchester City the 32-year-old played for Aberdeen, Stockport and more recently Halifax, Alfreton and Curzon Ashton.
“Paul will be a good addition to the squad with a pedigree of a lot higher up, now injury-free, he’s certainly having a good and tough pre-season,” Fowler said of his new recruit.
“He can play in multiple positions and importantly a great person to have around the group, he could’ve signed for clubs which would’ve offered him more money but wanted to see how we do things here.”
Another player who will add flexibility to the squad is Carroll, the former Shamrock Rovers man arriving from Athlone Town in his native Ireland.
The 20-year-old can play in the centre of midfield or at right back and has impressed while playing as a trialist so far in pre-season.
“We have high hopes for Jordan as he has come over from Shamrock Rovers and has really impressed us with his attitude and ability,” said Fowler.
“It’s important we get these young players like him in to develop them, it’s about giving them exposure at the right times and getting them to listen and learn, that’s what we hope to achieve with Jordan.”
Former Matlock Town goalkeeper Sassad has been signed to compete with Cameron Belford for the number one shirt at the Neuven Stadium with youngster Joey Oldham also still part of the set-up.
“Sully has been signed up as a back up to Cam, he has shown great attitude and will work closely with Cam, Andy (Rohman, goalkeeping coach) and Joey (Oldham),” Fowler said.
“Both Sully and Joey still have learning to do, however they are longer term projects so this is expected.”
Midfielder Ibrahim arrives having impressed at the club’s trial day, the 21-year-old midfielder’s last club being Norrvalla FF in Finland.
“Omar came on the trial event day which proved to be very successful for both him and us, he is a centre midfielder with a good range of passing and very high fitness levels,” said his new manager.
“He’s another player we see a long-term plan with and it’s just now about giving him the exposure at the right times.”
At the back is 19-year-old centre back Jones who was released at the end of his scholarship with League Two Oldham Athletic having missed out on a professional deal.
“Taylor has come in and shown a superb attitude and another who can really look to progress into a strong boy,” Fowler said.
“He will get better every time he trains and plays and we hope to help him on his journey.
“Our recruitment this year has been younger, hungry and talented players with potential, however they have to be patient.
“They will complement the players we already have within the squad.”
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