RAMSBOTTOM have signed former Coventry, Leicester and Bury defender Paul Williams.

Williams, who was released from Gigg Lane a couple of seasons, had signed for UniBond side Radcliffe Borough this summer but will be at the NWCL Division One side in a coaching and playing capacity.

"We are absolutely delighted to get a player of his calibre and experience," said manager Mike Kelly. "He has a UEFA B badge, he took the coaching last night and all the lads were impressed.

"He signed for Radcliffe but they are currently winning and the manager there doesn't want to change a winning team. He can sign for two leagues and we're hoping he will stay with us.

"He may also help us attract other players.

"But he is too good to be on the sidelines, I want him to play as well. We will probably use him in midfield. He is a great footballer and will be a leader on the park. I'm more than happy."

Williams, 32, is not eligible for this weekend but should go straight into the side for the FA Cup game next week.

Meanwhile the Rams are hoping to bounce back from their 4-1 home defeat to Clitheroe on Tuesday in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase tomorrow.

They have a lengthy trip to Durham to face Chester-le-Street Town where they hope to turn their fortunes around.

"We were beaten by a better side on Tuesday," said Kelly. "Their preparation was better than ours, they wanted to win. "It was their attitude more than anything else, they were winning tackles they never should have won."

Only one Ramsbottom player came out of the game with any credit, he said.

"Steven Bryce impressed me. We have just signed him from Ashton United and I was really happy with him."

The Rams take a welcome break from NWCL First Division action in the FA Vase tomorrow.

"Everyone wants to do well in FA competitions and it would be nice if we had a home tie but we never seem to," said Kelly.

"We are going as far as we could be going to get to Chester-le-Street and if we get through we are away in Barrow at Holker in the next round."

Back in contention tomorrow could be Aaron Scott, the former Tow Law player who is only available at weekends because he is based in the North East. He is currently looking for work in the North West and is planning to move here. "He offers us something extra going forward. He never gives the opposition back four a minute's rest."