Squad bolstered as duo sign deals
SIMON Rusk’s County squad for the upcoming National League campaign began to take shape this week, with a double signing signalling the beginning of pre-season at Edgeley Park – whilst The Hatters also learned their first opponents for the 2021/22 season.
Prior to the Hatters squad returning to preseason training this Monday
at their Carrington training base, County did move to secure a double signing in the shape of Torquay United winger Ben Whitfield and Lincoln City `keeper Ethan Ross.
Whitfield, 25, is seen as something of a coup given the Football League and National League interest in his services, with the attacker turning down both a new deal at Plainmoor and an offer from league rivals Notts County to make the free transfer move to Edgeley Park on a two-year deal.
The Bradford City graduate has over 100 Football League appearances to his name during spells at Yeovil Town and Port Vale.
Whitfield secured the Player of the Year award in his first season at Plainmoor in the curtailed 2019/2020 campaign, before missing the playoffs this summer through injury.
“Quite rightly there was a lot of competition for Ben’s signature as a free agent, after a very successful season as a key player in a good team at Torquay,” said Director of Football Simon Wilson.
“He is a player we have tracked all season and I’m delighted that Ben has taken up our offer ahead of several other top football clubs.
“I have no doubt he will fit in straight away with the attitude and qualities of our team.”
The former Yeovil Town man is believed to have rejected a move to Notts County in favour of joining Rusk’s side and was joined shortly after at Edgeley Park by Lincoln stopper Ross, who penned a three-year deal with the club.
Ross spent last season on loan at National League newcomers Weymouth, who sealed a league double over The Hatters with the 24-yearold in between the posts.
The former West Brom youngster moves to Edgeley Park, like Whitfield, on a free transfer following his release by League One outfit Lincoln City this summer and is believed to be seen as an eventual heir to Ben Hinchliffe’s spot as The Hatters’ number one.
Hinchliffe is now into his sixth successive season as County’s first choice stopper since joining from Fylde in 2016, with Wilson insistent that the two `keepers will “drive each other to find high levels of performance.”
“With the signing of Ethan Ross we are further strengthening the Goalkeeping Department with a player that has proven experience but also at age 24, significant long term potential.”
“With Ben and Ethan, we have two very capable goalkeepers who we hope will drive each other to find high levels of performance, which can only benefit the team.”
Meanwhile, The Hatters discovered their route to what supporters hope will be another National League promotion push this coming season, with Rusk’s side hosting Dagenham & Redbridge to kick off the new season on Sat 21st August.
County then face a challenging double header against a newly relegated duo for the August Bank Holiday as they travel to Southend on Sat 28th August, before hosting Grimsby Town on Monday 30th.
The Southend clash has already been selected by BT Sport for live screening, with kick-off moved back to 5.20pm.
Similarly to last season, Rusk’s side will battle neighbours Altrincham for the Christmas/New Year double header, before ending the regular league season with the visit of Halifax Town to Edgeley Park on Sat 15th May.