Experienced trio strengthen Macauley's hand

New Marine manager Carl Macauley has brought in three new faces for the upcoming EVO-STIK League campaign.

Striker Aaron Burns, central defender Andy Nicholas and keeper Matt Cooper all signed on at the Arriva Stadium in midweek as Macauley pushed ahead with his plans for his first season at the helm of the Premier Division's Mariners following his appointment in May.

Former Manchester United trainee Burns, 27, scored 28 goals last season for Nantwich Town and previously was the leading scorer at Ashton Utd for three seasons. The striker has also seen spells at FC United, Northwich Victoria, Droylsden and Altrincham.

Nicholas, 30, has over 140 Football League appearances to his name spanning five seasons at Swindon Town before a spell at Rotherham United from 2008 until 2010. He later moved on loan to Mansfield Town before moving to Vauxhall Motors in 2012 after a short spell at Barrow.

Cooper, 24, arrived from Witton Albion where he made over 150 appearances in the last three seasons after playing in an FA Vase Final at Wembley for Glossop Town.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary and Secretary Richard Cross are pictured with Macauley and the trio after they put pen-to-paper.

Leary said: "These are three very good signings by Carl for Marine. The signings to date shows that Carl is beginning to assemble a team that will be able to compete at the higher levels of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

"These are exciting times at the Arriva Stadium as we look forward to the new season and I am sure that we shall hear of further signings in the coming weeks. It is really good news that they have agreed with Carl to become Mariners and after meeting them on Wednesday I know that Aaron, Andy and Matt can’t wait, like me, for the new season to start."

Macauley added: "I am really pleased to be able to agree terms with these experienced players. These signing form a great base for me as I continue to build a team that will do well for me and the fans at Marine."