Ex-Manchester United defender joins Warrington Rylands

Riley, 29, arrives with an impressive footballing background, having come through the academy at Manchester United before making his senior debut under Louis van Gaal during the 2015/16 season.

He featured in both the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League for the Reds, featuring in a number of their matchday squads.

After leaving Old Trafford, Riley went on to build a strong career across the English game, with spells at Bradford City, Carlisle United, Walsall, AFC Fylde and Tamworth.

The club say that he has "earned a reputation as a dependable and versatile defender, capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch".

The Blues, beaten in last season's Northern Premier League play-off final by Hednesford Town, are currently two games into their pre-season schedule.

“We’ve been working at it all summer and it’s a big signing,” Warrington Rylands manager Neil Reynolds told the Warrington Guardian.

“He’s still relatively young but has played at the top level of non-league.

“He’s decided to come and buy into the Rylands project, but it will catch people’s attention and say that’s an impressive signing.

“I’ve known Joe for a number of years and I’ve always tried to get him. He came down and watched us last season and he likes what the project is about.

“There’s been a lot of back-and-forth with Joe and his agent but we’ve finally got it done.”

He becomes the club's third summer signing, joining defender Niall Battersby and forward Jawad Jebrin in making the move to Gorsey Lane. 

The club have kept faith with the majority of last season's squad, having fallen just short of promotion.