MIDFIELD enforcer Dave Flitcroft is the latest Shakers' player to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The former Chester, Rochdale and Macclesfield man has signed a 12-month contract and is the third player to swell the club's ranks this week.

Earlier in the week young midfielders Simon Whaley and Steve Maden also signed on the dotted line.

Whaley also agreed a year's contract, while Maden, fresh out of his three year scholarship period, has signed for six months.

That leaves defenders Colin Woodthorpe, Lee Unsworth and Matt Barrass, striker Gareth Seddon and youth team forward Daniel Douglas-Pringle as the outstanding five players yet to agree new terms.

Flitcroft's acquisition is a big bonus for manager Graham Barrow who sees him as an integral part of a strong spine through the middle of next season's team.

He made an immediate impression on the side after signing non-contract terms towards the end of last season after being released by Macclesfield.

The younger brother of Blackburn Rovers' Garry Flitcroft, the 30-year-old is a big fan of Barrow's methods, after working with him at both Chester City and Rochdale and made no secret of the fact that he wished to be a part of what his former boss was doing at the club.

Preliminary talks have already taken place with Stockport central defender Dave Challinor, a quality loan signing last season, and hopes are high of a second influential acquisition soon.

Barrow, and his assistant Kelham O'Hanlon, have a number of summer targets including young Everton midfielder Steven Schumacher, who has recently been released by the Goodison Park club.

And the manager has admitted to being encouraged by the attitude of released players who are looking to get fixed up with new clubs.

"It's surprising just how many are showing an interest in us as much as we are in them," he said.

"The future is definitely bright for any team able to go out and get one or two quality players.

"I think some lads have been shocked by the situation, as it's the first time I can remember players wanting to get deals done early.

"Usually they like to leave it until late May or even June to decide what they are doing.

"I have had many a holiday spoiled wondering what players were going to do, but this year I think it's possible to do your business early."