Ashton United manager Michael Clegg has strengthened his back line after signing experienced defender Michael Raynes.
Raynes started out at Stockport County and made 153 appearances for the Hatters, before joining Scunthorpe United in 2010.
The now 33-year-old then had spells with Rotherham United, Oxford United, Mansfield Town, Carlisle United and Crewe Alexandra.
He has most recently played for Hartlepool United in the National League.
Commenting on the capture of Raynes, Clegg told Ashton’s media team: “It’s a big signing. 497 games as a professional footballer says it all. He isn’t coming here for a rest, he will be part of our coaching group whilst leading on the field too.
“It’s an exciting project we have here and it excites him too. We're just delighted to have him and not only is he a fantastic player, he is a great person”.
Raynes will also form part of Clegg’s backroom staff.
Other plays to have joined the club include midfielder Jake Cottrell from Chorley and striker Tom Bentham from Atherton Collieries
Returning faces include defender Jono Hunt, midfielder Chris Rowney, midfielder Ben Hardcastle, left back John Pritchard, goalkeeper Greg Hartley, midfielder Michael Brewster, forward Louis Almond, and defender John Lofudu.
Picture courtesy of Ashton United
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