The management team have worked hard over the early part of the close season to formulate their squad for a third successive season in the National League.

Manager Adam Lockwood already had goalkeeper Jonny Maxted, utility player Jake Lawlor and centre-back Ash Palmer tied down on two year contracts.

Much of the focus has been on retaining players who were in last season’s squad with defenders Danny Lowe, Will Wells, Rob Atkinson, Marcus Williams, Elliot Green and Danny East all extending their stay with the club along with midfielders James Wesolowski and Will Hatfield.

A key signing has been that of attacking midfielder John Rooney who has joined the club on a permanent basis following his loan spell from Wrexham last season.

Talks are ongoing with other members of last season’s squad and potential targets as Lockwood builds up his squad ready for the big kick-off.

The players return to training on July 1st and then stage a succession of pre-season friendlies including home games against Bradford City, Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers and Darlington.

Goalkeeper Dan Atkinson and strikers Michael Rankine, Adam Boyes and Jake Cassidy have all chosen to move on following discussions regarding their future. Boyes has signed for Bradford Park Avenue while Cassidy has joined Hartlepool.

Young winger Luke Porritt has been released but remains as a coach within the club’s Community Foundation.

Other players released are wingers Joel Logan (who spent the latter part of the season on loan at FC Halifax Town), and Derek Asamoah along with utility player Javan Vidal.

To see the action at Nethermoor next season apply for your 17/18 season ticket online.