Dempsey gets busy shaping Widnes squad
BY CALLUM CHADWICK
WIDNES Football Club have had a busy few days in the transfer market with new manager Dave Dempsey making a number of new additions to the squad.
First through the door came former Scotland U18 international Jamie Frost, 24, who has Northern Premier League experience with Droylsden and Brighouse Town.
Macclesfield-born Frost signed a two-and-ahalf year professional deal at Burnley in February 2014, spending over 10 years with the Clarets prior to his release in 2016.
He featured twice for Droylsden against Widnes in the 2019-20 season.
Manager Dave Dempsey said: “Jamie’s an exciting prospect with a lot of pedigree having been a professional at Burnley and played in this league previously with Droylsden.
“He will provide us with goals and give us a lot of creativity in the final third and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Defender James McCulloch, 31, joined from Prescot Cables after spending over 10 years with the club, playing over 400 times and captaining the side to two Liverpool Senior Cup triumphs in 2017 and 2018.
McCulloch was a teammate of Widnes boss Dempsey’s during the latter’s time as a player at Prescot, and his move to the DCBL Stadium represents a real coup for the Whites.
Dempsey said: “I played with Kirky for many years - he’s a born winner with so much experience at this level of football.
“Securing his signature is a huge for us. He’ll be a massive addition to this group of players both on and off the pitch.
“The players have taken to him already and I am looking forward to working with him moving forward.”
The club also announced the re-signings of defender Jack Hatton and forward Jordan Southworth.
The pair left in the summer for Nantwich Town and Longridge Town but have since been convinced to return to the DCBL Stadium by new boss Dempsey.
Hatton, 20, made six appearances for the Whites during the curtailed 2020-21 season before departing to test himself at a higher level with the Dabbers, where he has featured 11 times, starting just twice.
A young, energetic fullback, Jack was a product of Bury’s youth academy and has enjoyed a stint playing in Sweden for Ytterhogdals IK.
Southworth, 24, re-joins from North West Counties Premier Division side Longridge Town having played 11 times the Ridge, scoring twice.
An athletic winger, Jordan originally joined Widnes from Prescot Cables and has also represented Irlam, Chorley and FC Halifax Town.
Manager Dempsey said: “Jack is a player with so much ability and he needs an environment to play and enjoy his football.
“He’s stepped up a league to Nantwich this season, but it’s been a bit of a turbulent year for him.
“I’m so happy to get this one over the line as he’ll be a great addition to the group.
“I’m a massive fan of Jordan’s. He has everything you could want in a footballer. He has presence, a great touch and bags of pace and I can’t wait to work with him again.
“We’ve been beaten a few clubs to his signature, and we’re pleased to be able to welcome him back into the group.”
Former City of Liverpool wide man John McGrath, 23, was added to the ranks having spent the last year with North West Counties Premier Division side Lower Breck, scoring once in 10 appearances thus far this season.
A tricky winger with an eye for goal, McGrath spent a number of years with the Purps, winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2019.
John has also previously featured for Marine and was a Dallas Cup winner with the Steven Gerrard Football Academy in 2017 alongside new Widnes team-mate Owen Wheeler.
Manager Dempsey said: “John will gives us something we are within the group.
“He’s a direct, skilful winger who is very creative.
“John can chip in with goals and will be key to how we play moving forward.”
Right-back Oliver Broe, 19, arrived from National League North side Farsley Celtic where he impressed in pre-season to earn a non-contract deal with Adam Lakeland’s side.
A highly regarded attacking full-back, Ollie was a part of the Wigan Athletic side that reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2020, losing narrowly at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Broe spent the 2020-21 season with City of Liverpoolr.
Dempsey said: “Ollie is a great kid and he’s settled in really well.
“He’s a young full back currently at Farsley Celtic and he is a player that will offer us a different option in that area of the pitch.
“There were a number of clubs in for Ollie so we’re really pleased to have got this one over the line.” missing