LANCASTER City have joined the chase for a former premiership midfielder in a bid to boost their promotion campaign.

Steve Thompson, a classy playmaker who plied his trade with the likes of Bolton, Luton Town and Leicester City, has had an offer from the Giant Axe side.

But Blackpool-based Thompson, currently plying his trade with Leigh RMI, is also a target for football league basement side Halifax Town.

City boss Tony Hesketh admitted before Christmas that he was looking for players from the Conference and football league on loan in order to boost the promotion campaign.

City now have a new man controlling the purse string in the shape of local businessman Ron Moore.

Mr Moore recently bought a majority share in the Giant Axe club and took over as chairman last week.

Mr Moore, the man behind local firm Gulf Containers, has also bought a majority shareholding in the club.

He said: "I am very pleased to have been appointed to this high profile position at this exciting time.

With Lancaster City riding high in the league, together with our existing, committed and resourceful staff, we have high hopes of gaining entrance into the Conference.

"We hope that we can rely on the continued support of our loyal fans, who are a key factor in the success of this club."

Mr Moore takes over from Ian Sharp, who was forced to give up the chairmanship for the second time because of other commitments.

Mr Sharp remains as vice-chairman.

The club's backroom team remains the same, with Mick Parkinson as chief executive, Bill Byrne as general manager and Barry Newsham as club secretary.

City have issued a new look fixture list for the remainder of the season - but still have no less than six ties looking for a date before the final game against Burscough in May.