New Mills close to announcing new signings as squad takes shape

The majority of last season's squad have agreed to remain at Church Lane, with some players turning down offers from clubs higher up the pyramid.

And Birch expects a 'couple' of new faces to join them soon.

"We've retained most of last year's squad and kept Dylan Forth, the goalkeeper, and Harry Norris, who both turned down moves to clubs a few divisions higher," he said.

"That is pleasing. They believe in what me and Mike (Norton, joint-manager) are saying and what we're aiming to do.

"We've kept the majority of last year's squad, Jake Pollard, Benito Lowe, Mason Fallon, our skipper

"These are good signs. We've got some really good players and we're delighted on that front"We will announce a couple of new signings in the next week or two."

Midfielder Kyle Oakes and attackers Will Onzo and Cavell Donaldson have also pledged their immediate future to the Millers while ex-FC United and Curzon Ashton man Norton has also signed playing forms.

New Mills made the trip to Northumberland to face Ashington in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, which Birch and Norton planned to double up as a team-building journey. The hosts secured the 4-1 victory, with Ben Edgson on target for the Millers.

New Mills host Ramsbottom United in a pre-season friendly at Church Lane tonight (KO 7.45pm).