Denham returns to Robins

Forward Chris Denham is back at Ashton United after a gap of seven years, writes Jez Sayle.

The 30-year-old, pictured, signed on Friday from Chorley after being transfer listed by Ashton's Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division rivals.

Denham spent most of his time away from Hurst Cross plying his trade for Stalybridge Celtic and Altrincham in the Conference Premier and Conference North. He is expected to go straight into Robins manager Danny Johnson's squad for Saturday's trip to Worksop Town after the deal was announced on Friday.

Johnson will hope Denham's return pays immediate dividends if he features as the Tigers are seeking revenge at Sandy Lane for a 5-3 defeat on the opening day of the campaign.

Denham signed for Chorley manager Garry Flitcroft last season and is able to play on the wing or as an out-and-out striker. His arrival will boost competition for places with Robins’ wide man Matty O’Neill and forward Ben Deegan both looking at long lay-offs.

Only one player at the club survives from Denham’s first spell – left back Danny Caldecott who made his debut the same day. Caldecott, like Deegan and Denham plus fellow player Astley Mulholland, assistant manager Craig Robinson and coach Billy McCartney - are now all in their second spells at Ashton United.