Clegg continues squad overhaul

Newly appointed Hyde United boss Michael Clegg has continued his squad overhaul with the signing of experienced forward Tunde Owolabi. 

The 30-year-old – who previously worked under Clegg during his time at Macclesfield –  joins following his departure from fellow NPL Premier side Warrington Rylands. 

Belgium-born Owolabi had a brief spell at Ewen Fields back in 2017, before stellar campaigns with Radcliffe and FC United of Manchester earnt him a move to then Scottish top flight side Hamilton Academical. 

The striker – who had a short loan spell at Stalybridge Celtic earlier this season – will add some much-needed firepower to The Tigers’ frontline – as they look to secure NPL Premier safety.  

Following his arrival, Owolabi told the club: 

“It’s been a difficult season for me with injuries, and it’s good to come back to the club after all these years. 

“It’s good to hook up with the manager again, he’s someone I look up to and respect, and he’s always got the best out of me.” 

At the opposite end of the scale, 18-year-old Bruno Cina has also made the move to Ewen Fields, joining on loan from League One side Stockport County. 

The forward has made three substitute appearances for The Hatters, including scoring the winning penalty in the EFL Trophy back in November. 

Cina will be joined by defender Damon Park, who recently made the loan switch from National League North side Radcliffe. 

The former Fulham youth player – capable of playing at both centre back and left back – joins Clegg’s side after making five league appearances for Boro this season. 

Elsewhere, experienced goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin has departed the club to join NPL West high-flyers Runcorn Linnets. 

This comes after the Turkey youth international was recalled early from his loan with the Linnets at the end of last month. 

Hyde have moved quickly to bring in Mersin's replacement, with with 17-year-old stopper Li-Bau Stowell joining on loan from Championship side Preston North End until the end of the season.

The teen is no no stranger to the Northern Premier Division, having spent a short time on loan at Warrington Town in August where he made three appearances, and will hope to make his Tigers debut in Saturday's clash with Hednesford Town.