NEW Chorley signing Cameron Belford will prove a valuable addition to the Magpies squad believes assistant manager Jamie Vermiglio.

Chorley snapped up the experienced goalkeeper following the departure of last season's number one Matty Urwin, who has returned to Fleetwood Town following the end of his loan spell.

The Mgpies also allowed Sam Ashton to join Ramsbottom United meaning signing a new stopper was a priority for Matt Jansen's men.

And Vermiglio believes former Accrington Stanley man Belford will be a shrewd signing.

He said: "It was important we took our time to recruit a goalkeeper who we feel can give us confidence.

“With Matty Urwin going back to Fleetwood it was a priority position to sort. At this stage of the off season a lot of players become available and it is important to us, with the nucleus of a solid squad, that we recruit players who we know a lot about and who immediately buy into what we are trying to achieve.

“Cameron is a brilliant character, leader, shot stopper and his distribution is as good as we've seen.

"It was refreshing to meet someone whose prime concern was to put in good performances for Chorley FC, with the aim of helping us to promotion.

"Despite having a lot of interest from other club higher up the ladder, we are delighted that we have Cameron on board.

"As soon as Janny (Jansen) and I met Cameron he told us that he wanted to be our number one.

"He didn't want to continue speaking to other clubs. He wanted to commit to us and he wanted to help us push for promotion. That's the type of player we want at our club.”

Belford, who was released by League Two side Forest Green Rovers in the summer, played 22 times for Scottish third tier side Stranraer in the first half of last season and can count Coventry and Bury among his former clubs.

And the 29-year-old is delighted to put pen to paper at Victory Park.

He told the club's official website: "I’m really happy to have signed on to play for Chorley.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season and can’t wait for pre-season to start.”

Meanwhile, Hallmark Security League Premier Division side Padiham have strengthened their squad with the capture of striker James Dean.

The former Chorley man rejoins the Storks having spent last season with Trafford.

Padiham have also re-signed Ben Hoskin, Jake Hargreaves and Kenny Taylor for the upcoming season.

Barnoldswick Town have also bolstered their attack with the signing of Jack Cooper.

The striker joins from Maine Road where he scored 19 goals in 27 games last term and becomes new Barlick boss Matt Barnes' first signing.

Evo-Stik North outfit Colne have added Kyle Hall and Richard Geohegan to the club's coaching staff. The pair will work as first team assistants to Reds boss Steve Cunningham. Meanwhile, Matty Morgan, who turned down the chance to remain at Colne, has joined Evo-Stik Premier new boys Bamber Bridge.