Cockerline the man for Newcastle Town

Cockerline joined the Dabbers from AFC Liverpool in September 2021 and was the club's joint-top scorer last season with eight goals.

However, he has yet to feature during the current campaign and has opted to move onto pastures new.

The Castle say the deal has been in the making for two weeks, with Cockerline attending their home win against Mossley over the August bank holiday weekend.

The 26-year-old has also trained with his new team-mates, but due to delays in processing new player registrations at the FA as the transfer window drew to a close, his move has only now been officially ratified.

Cockerline played previously for Barrow, Southport and FC United of Manchester, having started his career as a youngster at Sheffield United.

On his arrival, manager Paul Moore said: “This is a terrific signing for the club and I’m really looking forward to seeing what Dan can do in our league.

"He’s already trained with us and looks hungry, so it all bodes well.

“The club have worked hard to make this deal happen and I know that our fans will give Dan a warm welcome.”

In a club statement posted online, Nantwich have criticised the player, saying they were "disappointed" by the way the move has transpired.

The statement read: "After making clear his desire to obtain guaranteed game time and play at the highest level, Dan Cockerline has left the club to join fellow NPL West Club Newcastle Town, in a move engineered by himself and his agent.

"Whilst there is disappointment in the manner that this has been instigated and managed by them both, the club has no desire to hold onto a player that isn’t fully committed and doesn’t wish to represent the club and its supporters who have been so loyal to him during his time at the club.

"We would like to thank our very close friends at Newcastle Town who played no part in the original actions of Dan Cockerline and his agent, and for the professional and transparent manner in which they have acted since."

Photo credit: Newcastle Town