ACCRINGTON Stanley midfielder Paul Lynch has signed a two year contract with the Reds.

Lynch has been training with Nationwide League Third Division outfit Chester City for the last three weeks following a string of impressive displays since Wayne Harrison snapped him up from Great Harwood.

As a non-contract player he could have left for free but he has now pledged his immediate future to Stanley after Tuesday night's UniBond League Challenge Cup clash with Guiseley.

Stanley chairman Eric Whalley is delighted the 22-year-old is happy to stay and believes he can be an instrumental figure in Harrison's plans next season.

"I'm delighted Paul has agreed to sign a two year contract," said Whalley.

"He is one for the future and what we are looking to do now is build a side for next year.

"He has been training with Chester with a view to signing so we'll have to see what happens with that now."

Should City decide to pursue their interest they will now have to come up with a fee.

It's a smart bit of business by the Crown Ground club who sold Brett Ormerod to Blackpool for £50,000 two years ago.

Meanwhile, Chorley boss Dalton Steele made a double swoop in time to beat yesterday's non-league transfer deadline.

The ex-Winsford United chief went back to his old club to snap up 22-year-old right back David Clegg.

And he has also signed Manchester-based striker Troy Hadra from Welsh League side Rhyl.

"I've signed both of these players with a view to next season," said Steele.

"David is a very talented player who has played in the Football League with Hartlepool, although he has been hit by a couple of injuries this season and is still recovering.

"And Troy was recommended to me by a friend of mine and he's been interesting Cardiff City."

But two players who won't be involved in the Magpies battle against relegation are George Shepherd and Neil Mitchell.

Shepherd has gone back to Altrincham after a brief loan spell and ex-Blackpool winger Mitchell has been released.

Great Harwood boss Denis Underwood has signed Chris Dale from Buxton.

But Mick Lynch has joined his brother Steve by signing for North Western Trains League Second Division neighbours Darwen.

Bacup Borough midfielder Tom McKenna has quit West View and joined Castleton Gabriels.

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