Macauley signs key duo for new campaign

EVO-STIK League Marine's fans can look forward to seeing key defender John Shaw and star striker Andy Fowler running out at Liverpool's number one Non-League club for at least another season.

The duo agreed terms with the Premier Division club's manager Carl Macauley on Thursday, signing contracts to remain at the Arriva Stadium until May 2015 at least.

Shaw, 27, arrived at Marine in August 2009 and has scored eight goals in 210 appearances in the five seasons since joining. An ever present during that time, in the last couple of campaigns he has regularly captained the Mariners. Striker Fowler, 27, rejoined the club in August 2011 from Warrington Town and has scored 25 times in 73 appearances.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary, pictured with the players, Macauley, club secretary Richard Cross and assistant managers Anthony Wright and Gary Martindale, hailed the decision of the players to commit to the club for the new season.

Leary said: "This is really good news for Marine fans. Without doubt both John and Andy remain key players at our football club. Despite the interest shown in them by other clubs Carl has done really well in obtaining their agreement to remain Marine players because of his plans going forward and the part to be played by these two important players in those plans. As a Marine fan I am really pleased that John and Andy will be with us next season."

Macauley said: "I would like to start by saying that we are delighted Andy and John have made the decision to stay on board with us as I know they had interest from other clubs. They will be two very important signings for me as I prepare to build a team that will compete and do well. I feel that they will develop further as players because they understand what we want from them and when I told them what our plans are they were very keen on what we have to offer."

Image courtesy of Susan Nugent