Former Fleetwood defender Nathan Pond joins Bamber Bridge

Preston-born Pond started his career at Pitching In Northern Premier League side Lancaster City, before moving to Fleetwood Town in 2003 where he remained for 15 years, becoming the club's longest serving player and earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the player appearing in the most different divisions with a single football club.

In 2019 he added international duties to his impressive CV, receiving his first call-up for Montserrat.

On the signing, manager Milligan said: "Signing 'Pondy' has made a real statement for where this squad wants to get to.

"I’ve known him for nearly half my life and I trust him so much as a player and a person. I’ve played with him for years and “carried” him for years, nothing is going to change since playing with him and managing him, he’s going to do my running still.

"On a serious note, I’ve brought in one of the best centre-halves about and he will be a real leader in this squad, we’re a very young squad so Pondy’s experience will be priceless.

"With loads of games coming up and winter around the corner he adds to an already brilliant back line and I can’t wait to work with him."