19-year-old midfielder Charlie Walford has signed after being released by Port Vale in the summer. He had progressed through their Academy and Reserve sides and was offered terms by Baker after scoring a spectacular goal against 1874 Northwich.

Striker Zeph Thomas has also joined the club. The 28-year-old scord twice against Leek for Glossop North end in the FA Trophy last season. He has also featured for the likes of Sheffield, Frickley and Mickleover Sports and is a St Kitts and Nevis Intrenational.

Former Stockport County and Winsford United midfielder Harry Brazel has also been offered terms by Baker, but the Blues boss has confirmed that full back Lewis Short, who he signed last month, has left the club without kicking a ball in a competitive game.

Former Crewe player, Short 28, who counts Altrincham and Bala, amongst his previous clubs, has decided his immediate future lies with National League outfit Chorley.

Meanwhile, commenting on the last two friendlies, Baker said, “I thought we played very well at Whitchurch and took our goals well. We moved the ball about well and took our chances when they came along.

“However, in the Sheffield game we came up against much tougher opposition and
we travelled with a vastly depleted squad devoid of no fewer than seven players.

Baker added, “At Sheffield we were able to give remaining squad members much needed game time and although we started well the game became much harder but we earned the draw”.