New Mills strengthen squad with new additions

New Mills AFC have signed three players ahead of Saturday's trip to Abbey Hulton United.

Experienced former Curzon Ashton, FC United of Manchester and Ashton United goalkeeper David Carnell - a former team-mate of the Millers' joint-boss Dave Birch - has joined. 

An excited Birch commented: "With Dylan Forth still injured and with Alex Fowell struggling with work commitments, we decided that we had to bring in another goalkeeper. We spoke with Dave and he is looking forward to joining us. I played with him at Curzon Ashton, Hyde United and of course at FC United, and he is a quality keeper." 

Birch and fellow boss Mike Norton have also strengthened the defence with the arrival of James Power, who returns to Church Lane having made three appearances for the Millers during the 2018/19 campaign. 

"James is a young lad who has been training with Droylsden," Birch said. "We brought him in to training to have a look at him and he's done well - he will be an asset to the squad." 

Midfielder Sam Fitzgerald, who played for the Millers in the 2013/14 campaign, is also back for a second spell at the club. 

Birch added: "Sam was a promising young player when I was at FC United. He's returned from a successful spell playing in Australia and we tried to sign him earlier in the season, but he chose to go elsewhere and then more recently played for Chadderton. He's a fit lad and we can't wait for him to be available for selection." 

Fitzgerald is unavailable for this weekend's game, but Carnell and Power are expected to be in the travelling party.

The Millers, who are 15th in the North West Counties First Division South, make the journey to Drayton Beaumont Park in Staffordshire to face the team who are 17th and just one point behind them in the table.