ASHTON United have boosted their squad by recruiting three players and said goodbye to two others on another busy day for the revolving door at Hurst Cross.
The Robins have re-signed Lee Rick from Trafford and fellow midfielder Reece Gray has joined from local rivals Hyde United.
The club’s joint-manager Paul Phillips also confirmed the arrival of goalkeeper Greg Hall from North West Counties Premier Division outfit 1874 Northwich on a dual registration deal.
But midfielder Eddie Toner has moved to Evo-Stik First Division North side Northwich Victoria and striker Ben Wharton has joined Colne, also of the North West Counties Premier Division, on a dual registration.
This means a non-contract player can play for either team he is registered with at any time but they have to be in different leagues.
Rick first arrived at Ashton in July 2013 from Mossley, where he won the supporters’ player of the year award in 2011-12.
Despite stating his intention to stay on after the Robins reached the play-offs last term, the 26-year-old was released by the club last August.
He then moved to Shawe View and has scored two goals for Trafford this season but has now decided to return to Tameside.
23-year-old Gray makes the short trip from Ewen Fields – where he was a fans favourite, spending three separate spells with the Tigers and helping the club win the Conference North title in 2012.
The Oldham-born forward, who was released by Rochdale in 2014, has scored four goals in 37 appearances for Hyde this season.
Ex-Maine Road keeper Hall leaves the Barton Stadium after just three months but won February’s Goalkeeper of the Month award in the North West Counties Premier Division, who have also voted him the league’s best stopper in the last two seasons.
He only left Evo-Stik First Division North newcomers Glossop North End at the end of November, who he also helped reach last season’s FA Vase Final at Wembley, and had initially registered with Ramsbottom United before linking up with 1874.
Meanwhile, ex-Burscough and Stafford Rangers player Toner departs just three months after re-signing from National League North side Telford United.
Former Radcliffe Borough forward Wharton came through the ranks at Stockport County before going on to play for Northwich Victoria, Buxton and most recently Warrington Town.
The 25-year-old only signed for Ashton in late January after leaving the Yellows, who he helped reach the FA Cup second round last season but has found opportunities limited this term during the club’s rise to the top of the Evo-Stik First Division North.
Ashton currently sit fifth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, three points above sixth-placed Stourbridge who they beat 2-1 on Monday night.
The trio of new signings could make their debuts when the Robins are back in action on Saturday at home to last season’s play-off finalists Ilkeston.
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