Kilheeney joins Magpies

Chorley manager Garry Flitcroft has pulled off a major transfer coup by signing one of the most prolific strikers in non-league football.

The Magpies boss has snapped up Droylsden hitman Ciaran Kilheeney – thanks to the help of several local businesses.

The 28-year-old forward has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in BlueSq North over the last few years, regularly finishing near the top of the scoring charts.

After making his name at Burscough and Southport, Kilheeney then signed for Droylsden in 2010 and has bagged more than 40 goals in just short of two seasons with the Bloods.

Delighted to have secured his signature, Garry said: “This is a major signing for the club and I’m over the moon that Ciaran has decided to join us.

“I’ve been tracking him for a while and to finally get him on board is a real boost for our promotion push.

“He’s got an outstanding goal record in the league above our own and he’s joining us at the peak of his career.”

Kilheeney started his career at Manchester City before going on to play for Exeter City.

He then moved into non-league football and played for Mossley, Radcliffe Borough and Ashton United, before signing for Burscough.

After two goal-filled seasons at Burscough – he scored 20 times to fire the Linnets to promotion in 2007, before finishing joint top marksman in the Conference North at the end of the following campaign – he then followed manager Liam Watson to Southport, where he continued to top the scoring charts with the Sandgrounders.That led to a move to Droylsden in 2010, where he bagged 35 league goals in just under two seasons in BlueSq North.

Garry, who confirmed the club had paid a small undisclosed fee for the player, added: “This move has only been made possible thanks to the help of several local businesses. Servicesport and local businessman Ian Currie have both pitched in to make this happen and I’d like to personally thank them for their very generous support.”