POWERFUL striker Phil Denney has turned his back on Conference football to sign for Radcliffe Boro.

The 24-year-old front-runner was courted by Leigh RMI and Northwich Victoria but has linked up with manager Kevin Glendon after coming to the end of his contract with Ashton United.

Glendon is delighted to get his man saying: "I have tried to sign Phil twice before and am really pleased to have finally got him.

"He leads the line well and is very hard-working. He never gives in and he will prove to be an excellent signing."

Meanwhile, Glendon is considering an offer from Stalybridge Celtic for skipper Tony Whealing.

The Bower Fold side are proposing a player swap deal but Glendon is still mulling over whether to let one of his best defenders and most influential characters leave the club.

"We will speak to Tony and assess what is going to happen with the squad over the summer," he added.

"We have a squad of fourteen at the moment and I would like to start next season with eighteen players. However, some players may still move on."

One man who won't be returning to Boro in the short-term is fans favourite Jody Banim.

The prolific striker will start pre-season with Shrewsbury Town and his new side's promotion to the Nationwide League Division Three has netted Boro another £2,500.

Glendon said: "We ended up getting £20,000 for Jody and, in today's market, I think that is an exceptional deal."

However, the Stainton Park boss is still waiting on a response from ex-Manchester City and Bury defender Steve Redmond as he looks ahead to pre-season knowing ground improvements have been financed.

The Radcliffe Borough Supporters Club Race night held on the May, 12 raised a total of £1250 and this has helped swell the Stainton Park Development fund to a very creditable £1,500.

This will take the total amount raised towards ground maintenance to a fabulous £2,300 for next season.