Contract reward for dynamic duo

Leading marksman Ciaran Kilheeney and defensive rock Jay McCarten have both pledged their futures to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Warrington Town.

The First Division North's Wire announced on Monday that the key pair had both agreed deals for the new campaign and have joined David Mannix and new signing Ben Wharton as contracted players at Cantilever Park.

Kilheeney became a fans' favourite after joining mid-way through last season from Premier Division Chorley and finished the campaign as the club's top scorer. McCarten, pictured, was a near permanent fixture at the heart of defence and in May collected the Wire's Player of the Season accolade.

Manager Shaun Reid said: "Both players were amongst our most consistent performers last season and I am delighted they have pledged their futures to the club."

The signings come as Warrington Town's players report back for pre-season training this week. As they start preparations for their first pre-season outing against Premier Division AFC Fylde on Saturday 20 July, the club's reserves will be aided by a new look management team.

Former Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, Grimsby Town and Scarborough forward Steve Saunders will lead the club's second string with Simon Rudge and Andrew Moore working alongside him.

Rudge was an ex-professional at Bolton with Saunders and went on to play for Altrincham while Moore is a well known figure in Cheshire football having spent many years as Crosfield's manager.

Warrington Town's Director of Football Toby Macormac said: "I’m very happy with the appointments. It has been a longer than anticipated journey to get the right people but I feel that Steve, Simon and Moz will bring the young players through at the same time as bringing some experienced older players in to look after them.

"The experience they will bring is first class and will take our new reserve side forward. I'd like to thank all those that applied and especially our Reserve and Youth Secretary Geoff Bell for all his work."