Rams sign five
RAMSBOTTOM’S new-look squad has been bolstered after five players signed deals with the club ahead of the start of the Evo-Stik Division One season.
Nia Bayunu and Zack Hargreaves have both returned, while Nat Taylor and Josh Dunroe have each joined the club.
Joint-manager Paul Fildes has also signed playing forms, meaning that both he and fellow boss Mark Fell are eligible to play for Ramsbottom this season.
Taylor has joined the Rams after a successful trial at the club, having previously played for the likes of Accrington Stanley and Nelson in his career.
His career was halted after he suffered a double leg break, but he’s excited to now be back to full fitness and working alongside people he knows well.
“I’ve worked with Mark Fell since I played for Eng- land Colleges as part of the Academy at Accross College and he took me to Nelson after my professional contract ended,” he said.
“I continued at Nelson as part of my rehab from my broken leg under Paul and felt I was getting back to my best.
“When they called me to come down to Rammy I jumped at the chance, it’s an amazing club and I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and give my all for the supporters.”
Along with Taylor, joint-manager Fell believes that defender Bayunu can be a key player for the team this season.
He played 23 times for the Rams during the last campaign, and Fell has been impressed with the big man’s application in pre-season.
“Nia’s been great for us, he’s worked very hard to get himself in good condition,” he said.
“He’s one of the many leaders we’ve got in the side and we think he’s got a big role to play for us this year.”
Hargreaves is also back at the Harry Williams Riv- erside Stadium after coming through the youth ranks at the club.
The 17-year-old made a handful of appearances last season, and Fildes believes he can be a star of the future.
He said: “Zack is a great little footballer, his attitude is excellent and he’s one we want to nurture into a star at the club.”
Newcomer Dunroe arrives at Ramsbottom as a bit of an unknown, but Fildes is confident that his side may have found an unknown gem.
Fildes could find himself playing alongside Dunroe after deciding to reverse his decision to retire and sign playing forms for the club.
Ramsbottom get their competitive action underway when they host Goole on Saturday, 13 August.
‘Zack is one we want to nurture into a star at the club’