Rams new boys dive straight in
RAMSBOTTOM United have been busy over the Christmas period after they made three new signings.
The Rams added to their squad with the arrivals of forward Max Hazeldine, midfielder Adam Kay and goalkeeper Martin Fearon.
The trio will be a big boost for Ramsbottom, who are set to be involved in a busy few weeks.
Hazeldine has made the move to the Rams after initially beginning his career with Accrington Stanley, and joint manager Mark Fell is delighted to have him at the club.
“Max has been a popular man since his departure from Skelmersdale. We spoke to him a couple of times and he was impressed with the way we do things,” he said.
“He’s a young man who’s got a great footballing future ahead of him but he needs to get back playing and enjoying him- self and I’m sure we can be a platform for him to move back up the football pyramid.”
Hazeldine’s recent spell at Skelmersdale saw him score 17 goals in 22 games, including a goal against Ramsbottom at the Riverside. Along with his start at Stanley, the 19-year-old also spent time on loan at Stockport County in the National League North.
Goalkeeper Fearon is making a return to Ramsbottom after previously playing for the club during the 2013/14 season.
He helped the side achieve promotion from the Evo-Stik Division One North during that campaign, and he is happy to be back.
“I am really pleased to be returning to Ramsbottom United and want to help the club return to the Evo-Stik Premier Division,” he said.
“I know what the club is all about having had a successful time on loan here a couple of years ago and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Joint-manager Fell is just as delighted to welcome back Fearon, and he expects the goalkeeper to make a big impact.
“I’ve known Martin since he was an apprentice at Accrington, and he was one of the first students I ever taught,” he said. “We know exactly what we are getting with him, which is simply a top class keeper. We’ve been lucky to have Charlie Albinson recently, but we knew his deal was only until the New Year and when we heard there may be an opportunity to get Martin, we jumped at it.”
Fearon has also enjoyed spells at the likes of Burnley, Chester, Salford City and Lancaster City during his career.
Also joining Ramsbottom is midfielder Kay, who began his career under Owen Coyle at Burnley, making his debut back in 2007.
He had time at Accrington Stanley, Chester and Stalybridge Celtic, before taking a break from the game, but is now ready to return.
‘We can be a platform for Max to move back up the football pyramid’