Striker's switch is 'real coup'

Chorley's Garry Flitcroft believes he's pulled off a major transfer coup by snapping up prolific striker James Dean from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League rivals AFC Fylde.

The former FC Halifax Town hitman, pictured, signed for the Premier Division's Magpies on Wednesday and could make his debut against Stafford Rangers at the Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium on Saturday.

Chorley's manager said he was delighted to sign the 27-year-old who was a cult hero at The Shay after becoming the 'phoenix' club's leading scorer with 83 goals in 130 appearances. Dean's goals helped them to back to back promotions and Flitcroft insists he can recapture that form.

Flitcroft said: "James is going to be a great addition to the squad so I'm delighted we've been able to bring him in. He's a player I've liked for some time and his goals record at this level is second to none."

"When he was at Halifax, he was a big fans favourite and scored goals for fun. Unfortunately, he didn't enjoy quite the same levels of success at Fylde last season, mainly because he was in and out of the side, and his confidence perhaps took a bit of a knock as a result.

"However I firmly believe we can help him recapture his form and he's going to be a major asset for us going forwards. If you're going to challenge for honours then it's important to have a variety of attacking options. James is a big, strong, powerful centre forward who will complement the excellent strikers we already have at the club."

Flitcroft also revealed that the striker has taken a significant pay-cut to ensure his switch went through. He added: "I think it's also important to say he hasn't come here for the money either. He was on a very good salary at Fylde and he's had to take a significant wage cut to make this move possible.

"But after speaking to the lad, it quickly became clear he wasn't motivated by money - he just wants to get back playing again and doing what he does best, which is scoring goals."

Dean started his career at Bury, enjoying loan spells at Altrincham, Stalybridge and Harrogate Town, before sealing a move to Halifax. After joining the Coasters last summer he found himself in and out of the side. Nevertheless, he still bagged 15 goals in 48 appearances to help them secure a play-off spot.