Challinor lands duo, finally

Coasters manager Dave Challinor returned to Colwyn Bay on Friday to sign his former promotion winning teammate Luke Denson along with Ashley Dunn.

The AFC Fylde manager bolstered his squad ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Nantwich Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier’s Premier Division having bided his time to sign the pair. He first attempted to bring them to Kellamergh Park on arrival in November 2011 with assistant manager Colin Woodthorpe.

Denson, 21, is a former Tranmere Rovers full back who played played alongside Challinor during Colwyn Bay's promotion from Evo-Stik NPL First Division North in 2009-10. He was ever present when Challinor took over the managerial reins and helped win back-to-back promotions from the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division, picking up the manager's and fans’ awards on the way.

Dunn, 24, is an ex Morecambe, Fleetwood Town, Witton Albion and Kendal Town midfielder. He left the Cumbrian club during the summer after trials with clubs further up the football pyramid, including a lengthy period at Lincoln City. After playing for Droylsden in Conference North he switched to Colwyn Bay to join ex-team mate Jon Newby. He arrives at KP providing cover and competition in midfield for missing captain Brad Barnes.

Challinor said: "Luke is someone Colin and I know really well and is a player we've actively been trying to get in for over a year. He is very adaptable and gives us options in a number of positions. He's someone who is very ambitious and still wants to play full time football.

"We've always felt he's got a chance having seen him develop over two years. He still has lots of improving to do but he recognises this and knows we can help him in both areas. He'll fit in the dressing room seamlessly having been team mates with a number of the lads we currently have. I'm delighted to get him in now as it seemed we may have to wait until the summer, but with Glenn Steel unable to commit at present due to work commitments abroad, the timing was perfect.

"Dunny was the first player we put seven days notice on when we came to the club 14 months ago. At the time, he was playing at Kendal in the league above us and at that time he wanted to stay which we respect. I've kept in touch over the summer and was aware he was attempting to move up the ladder but as a result, hasn't played much football.

"I'd spoken to Newby about him prior to him leaving Colwyn Bay, so when he did leave, Dunny asked if I was still interested. He's Preston based so ideal for us and is joining a very competitive squad. He's backed himself and is willing to come in and try to earn his place in the team and, again, will slot in the dressing room with no problems as he knows a lot of the lads.”

"We can't wait to get working with them both and know they'll do well and improve us as a team. Both signings will add quality and, more importantly, numbers at this important time."

Challinor was also full of praise for the younger members of his current squad who’ve stepped up from the club’s development and youth squads, adding: "The younger lads who have been drafted in have done great but it's a big ask for them to be thrown in at a level they've never played at before.

"We are looking to add quality but it's important we get the right type of players with the attitude to develop with us as a club. It also needs to be right for the club financially, despite speculation from every angle."