WHILE he continues his search for a centreback, Boro boss Kevin Glendon explained his reasons behind his latest signing, striker Brian Welch.

"He's only 30, he's still got a lot of football left in him and not only has he got a good goal scoring record, he has good feet and can bring other people into the game. The way we play we need someone like that, someone who can get the ball and feed others.

"I've now got Brian, Phil Denney, Steve Foster and Josh Mitten, so there's a real variety in our strike force, it has a little bit of everything, it's just a matter now of putting together the right partnerships.

"It gives me different options, for example we could go to Ossett Town and look at the state of the pitch and decide to play two big lads.

"We started off with four strikers last year with Richard Landon Jody Banim, Neil Hardy and Chris Denham, and none of them lasted the season, so I might try and get another in just to be on the safe side!

"We're still chasing Lee Connell and Paul O'Shaughnessey and we are hope Steve McNulty will join us because he would be a real asset, but if he doesn't I've a couple more irons in the fire in that respect."

The club has added a further pre-season friendly to its list with a trip to the Riverside to take on Ramsbottom United on Tuesday August 10, kick-off 7.45pm. That makes it nine competitive games before the big league kick-off!

July 10 Home SHREWSBURY TOWN

July 13 Home BURY

July 17 Home BOLTON

July 24 Home MAN UNITED

July 27 Home SOUTHPORT

July 31 Away Durham City

August 07 Away Chorley

August 10 Away Ramsbottom United

August 14 Away Rossendale United

Included in the Boro squad for these friendlies will be Youth team products Adam McMahon, Jonathon Darby and Ryan Buckley.

"They are all over 18 and we need to look at them properly now to see if they are capable of making the first team," added Glendon.

And if fans join the club's exciting Lifeline scheme they will get free admission to see Boro take on Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bury in these mouthwatering pre-season games at Stainton Park.

Lifeline members receive a free replica home or away Boro shirt, entry to all home league and cup fixtures, free matchday programme and half-time refreshments.

In addition, members can bring up to two of their children to home games free of charge.

And that's not all!

There are nine monthly draws that see fans with a chance of winning cash prizes of £25, £15 and £10.

While a big Christmas draw will see one lucky member take home a Christmas food hamper.

The total cost of this excellent deal is only £240.

For more information, contact Kevin or David at the club on 724 8346.

Boro will be issuing vouchers at the Bolton and Manchester United games, and people who produce the vouchers at the Southport game will get in for just £3, kids free. The club will also be giving vouchers out in local schools to get even more people along too watch the club.