Ramsbottom United’s plans for the new campaign have been dealt a blow after fans’ favourite Grant Spencer signed for Blue Square Bet Premier new boys Hyde.

The 20-year-old former Bolton Wanderers junior joined Rammy last summer from the now defunct Rossendale United and put in some impressive performances to help the team win the title and promotion to the Evo-Stik Division One.

It’s those displays, that won the left winger the North West Counties League Player of the Month for April, and attracted Hyde’s attentions.

And the move to Ewan Fields sees Spencer rise four rungs in the non-league ladder.

While it’s a blow for joint United managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, Spencer leaves the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium with the club’s best wishes after helping the side to 12 wins from an unbeaten final 13 matches of last season.

meanwhile, the club are looking for players for their under-11s team for the forthcoming season.

Trials are taking place over the next few Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at Top Park, Ramsbottom.

The club is charter standard and has plans for a new artificial pitch. Coaches are CRB checked and FA level one qualified. Further information is available from Grant on 07970 887031 or Ruth Dowd on 07960 367522.