FC United have taken a major step to avoiding a repeat of last season’s disappointment after signing goal machine Mike Norton.

The Rebels suffered their worst ever season finishing 13th in the UniBond League Premier Division.

But manager Karl Marginson has pulled off a coup by landing the prolific striker from rivals Curzon Ashton.

The 29-year-old fired 41 goals last season for Curzon but has decided to join FC after the Tameside club failed in the play-offs for the third year running.

“I felt things were going a bit stale for me at Curzon and, being a big United fan, playing for FC United will be the next best thing,” said Norton.

“Maybe I could have gone a bit higher up, but I’ll get to play in a United kit and the fans sing United songs. I’m really looking forward to that and, hopefully, I can help them get promoted to Blue Square North.”

Pre-season: Sutton Town Sat, July 10; West Didsbury and Chorlton Wed, July 14; Cliftonville (Belfast) Sat, July 17; Supporters Direct Tournament at AFC Telford Sat, July 24; Wigan Robin Park Tue, July 27; Ramsbottom United Tue, Aug 3; Bala Town (Wales) Sat, Aug 7; Mossley AFC Sat, Aug 14.