Magpies land new leader

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Chorley have completed their sixth signing of the summer after manager Garry Flitcroft brought in defender Paul O’Neill to Victory Park, writes Josh Vosper.

A brave and committed centre-half who's impressed in the Welsh Premier with his leadership qualities for a number of seasons, he arrives at the Premier Division's Magpies from Prestatyn Town.

O’Neill kicked off his career at Macclesfield Town as a professional and has since turned out for a number of clubs including Gretna, Northwich Victoria and Evo-Stik NPL new boys Scarborough Athletic.

Flitcroft believes his new signing could prove to be a defensive rock and leader for the Magpies next season and a key member of his squad who'll be pushing for a permanent berth in his side.

Flitcroft said: "Paul comes in from Prestatyn after playing for many years in the Welsh Premier. He's had three outstanding seasons if you read all reports on him. He’s a leader, organiser and talker on the field and played a good standard of football.

"I've not just brought him in for cover but competition for places, especially with us losing Andy Russell and Mark Ross. He can play right back as well as centre half, which is good for us."

Chorley's manager is now setting his sights on what he hopes will be a promotion winning campaign. "I can't wait for July 2 when we start training again," added Flitcroft. "I'm happy with the players we've signed and they all have good attitudes and will fit into my dressing room. I believe they have the talent and quality that we need to get promotion this year."

Pictured alongside Flitcroft modelling the club's new centenary shirt, O'Neill admits there was little chance of him turning down an invitation from his new manager to to play for Chorley.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Chorley. Having the chance to work with Garry Flitcroft and Matt Jansen is a really good opportunity for me. It was the gaffer who was really keen to bring me here, and when someone of his stature came in calling you can’t say no.

"For the last few seasons I've been at Prestatyn Town and enjoyed every minute of it. We finished consistently in the top six, which was massive for the club and even managed to get into Europe. I wish them all the best but look forward to starting my own journey now."

The centre-back, who has also been with Rhyl and Bangor City, added: "It will be fantastic to play in front of a big fan base and it makes a real difference when you are on the pitch. It's great to see passionate fans behind you and it seems like a real local club with people who give up time for nothing to make it a success. It looks like everyone is working together and there’s no reason why we can't achieve great things."