Transfers
news
Trio through the door at Ramsbottom
Matlock Town have bolstered their squad with the signings of Leon Johnson, Ben Halfacre and Lee Neville.
Johnson was most recently plying his trade at local rivals Colne, but spent the remainder of the summer recovering from an injury.
The former Cambridge United and Prescot Cables winger marks his recovery with a move to the Rams, and the talented forward has already made an impact at his new club, scoring a goal in their 2-1 victory over Bootle at the weekend.
Johnson remarks that manager Lee Donafee and his future aspirations were the key factors in his move to the Bury-based side.
"The fact that Lee was the manager, the fans and putting myself in the Manchester shop window where I’m exposed to bigger clubs, as my dream is to one day play in the football league.
"I want to get us up the league table but I will take it game by game.
"I have a level head but I do want to get the crowd up off their seats and bring some good, entertaining football to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium."
Alongside bringing in youthful prospects, Donafee has added some experience to his pack with the acquisition of Ben Halfacre.
The 34-year-old striker is no stranger to this level, boasting a wealth of experience from his time at Runcorn Linnets, Mossley, Tafford, Rochdale and Glossop North End; winning the league with Hillmen.
On his move, Halfacre said: "I have always been friends with Lee through football and we have always kept in contact.
"The fact that he’s a really good guy is the main reason I wanted to come here."
Halfacre, who has already netted in a 2-1 win over Prescot Cables, said he is excited to add more goals to his new side.
"I want to bring more goals and a wealth of experience to help Ramsbottom climb the league table as we are more than capable of doing that."
On his new acquisition, Donafee said: "Having managed Ben previously, I knew what we would be getting when signing him and for me since his arrival he has been brilliant for us on the pitch and within the dressing room."
Finally, left-back Lee Neville returns to the Rams for his second spell at the club.
The 34-year-old made 17 appearances for Ramsbottom in the 2014/15 season.
Most recently featuring for Radcliffe, Neville has plenty of experience at FC United, Salford and Stalybridge.
Manager Lee Donafee is keen to integrate the veteran defender into his team.
"I was eager to get Lee in during pre-season but due to work commitments he was unable to join us.
"However, things have changed and it was right to speak to him about coming back to Rammy and I’m absolutely delighted that he agreed.
"He brings much needed experience to the group and he has even experienced winning the league at this level with a couple of his former teams."
The former Cambridge United and Prescot Cables winger marks his recovery with a move to the Rams, and the talented forward has already made an impact at his new club, scoring a goal in their 2-1 victory over Bootle at the weekend.
Johnson remarks that manager Lee Donafee and his future aspirations were the key factors in his move to the Bury-based side.
"The fact that Lee was the manager, the fans and putting myself in the Manchester shop window where I’m exposed to bigger clubs, as my dream is to one day play in the football league.
"I want to get us up the league table but I will take it game by game.
"I have a level head but I do want to get the crowd up off their seats and bring some good, entertaining football to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium."
Alongside bringing in youthful prospects, Donafee has added some experience to his pack with the acquisition of Ben Halfacre.
The 34-year-old striker is no stranger to this level, boasting a wealth of experience from his time at Runcorn Linnets, Mossley, Tafford, Rochdale and Glossop North End; winning the league with Hillmen.
On his move, Halfacre said: "I have always been friends with Lee through football and we have always kept in contact.
"The fact that he’s a really good guy is the main reason I wanted to come here."
Halfacre, who has already netted in a 2-1 win over Prescot Cables, said he is excited to add more goals to his new side.
"I want to bring more goals and a wealth of experience to help Ramsbottom climb the league table as we are more than capable of doing that."
On his new acquisition, Donafee said: "Having managed Ben previously, I knew what we would be getting when signing him and for me since his arrival he has been brilliant for us on the pitch and within the dressing room."
Finally, left-back Lee Neville returns to the Rams for his second spell at the club.
The 34-year-old made 17 appearances for Ramsbottom in the 2014/15 season.
Most recently featuring for Radcliffe, Neville has plenty of experience at FC United, Salford and Stalybridge.
Manager Lee Donafee is keen to integrate the veteran defender into his team.
"I was eager to get Lee in during pre-season but due to work commitments he was unable to join us.
"However, things have changed and it was right to speak to him about coming back to Rammy and I’m absolutely delighted that he agreed.
"He brings much needed experience to the group and he has even experienced winning the league at this level with a couple of his former teams."
