Club continues to add players for campaign
WIDNES Football Club confirmed the signing of more players this week as co-bosses Kev Towey and Steve Akrigg look to improve their squad ahead of the new campaign in the Evo-Stik League.
Ben Cartwright and Bram Johnstone both arrived at the Select Security Stadiium in a double deal from Ashton Athletic, while Jamie Rainford and Danny Ventre came from Colwyn Bay and Warrington Town respectively.
Cartwright and Johnstone, both defenders, previously turned out for Widnes in 2015, with Johnstone racking up six appearances towards the closing stages of the campaign.
Cartwright, however, featured 21 times across two spells with the club before moving on to Colwyn Bay in 2016.
Both players lifted the Liverpool Senior Cup with Prescot Cables in 2017, and Johnstone even began his career at Wigan Athletic before dropping into non-League football.
When asked about the double-signing, co-manager Towey said: “Ben and Bram both bring previous Evo-Stik experience with them to the club.
“I’ve always been a fan of Ben’s when he has featured against us.
“He is a strong, athletic central defender with good ability on the ball.
“I’m confident that Ben can get even better playing alongside Michael Burke and Michael Grogan.
“Bram is very gifted technically and can play at either left-back or left midfield, and in a holding midfield position.
“His ability to pick a pass and dictate play from a deep position will be advan- ● tageous throughout the season.”
Thirty-year-old forward Rainford hit 28 goals in the Evo-Stik North for Glossop North End in 2015-16 while Ventre, 32, reunited with co-boss Akrigg after the pair were teammates at AFC Telford in 2015.
The defensive midfielder also helped Accrington Stanley – now of League One – to the Conference title back in 2006 and appeared in the Football League the following campaign.
“We are delighted to be able to welcome both Jamie and Danny to the club,” Towey said.
“Jamie’s record at this level is as good as any.
“Although he was a bit part player for Colwyn Bay last season, he joins us in fantastic shape and his addition is a real coup for us.
“Danny gives us a different dimension – he’s a lion of a competitor.
“He’s been successful wherever he’s been, and as a minimum, I know that we are getting someone who demands high standards.”
In more developments this week, Widnes announced the signings of forward Dale Korie-Butler and young goalkeeper Lex Hancocks.
Korie-Butler arrives from Ashton Athletic for a second spell with Widnes, having featured six times under Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard at the start of the 2016-17 season in the Hallmark Security League First Division before moving to St Helens Town.
The striker, who can also play on the wing, netted more than 30 goals for Athletic last season including an equaliser against Widnes at the Select Security Stadium last August.
Korie-Butler will join up with Cartwright and Johnstone who have both made the move from Brocstedes Park to Widnes this summer.
Teenage shot-stopper Hancocks spent last season as Mossley Hill’s first choice goalkeeper in the West Cheshire League.
He arrives with an impressive pedigree, having been on the books at the Liverpool Football College – the same school as former Widnes goalkeeper Owen Wheeler.
On securing the signatures of both players, co-boss Towey said: “Dale was someone who we tried to sign back in October when myself and Ste (Akrigg) first got the job.
“His style of play fits perfectly into our system. He is someone who can score goals for us and work hard.
“It’s not an easy task but one Dale is expected to achieve.
“Lex is a young goalkeeper who has come in knowing Richie Mottram has the number one spot, but I’ve challenged him to go and perhaps earn the shirt for himself. He has an excellent pedigree, has very good feet and is a very good shot-stopper.” ● Widnes kick-off their pre-season campaign a week tomorrow – Friday, July 13 – when they play host to Southport at the Select Security Stadium. The match kicks-off at 7.30pm.