Jamie Vermiglio, the popular midfielder who in a brief return last autumn helped restore some FA Trophy prestige to Chorley before going back into Blue Square football, has rejoined the Magpies.

He is one of two signings unveiled this week as Garry Flitcroft assembles his squad for pre-season training.

The Victory Park boss has also brought in Jonathan Smith, a vastly experienced ex-Accrington Stanley skipper who recently had a short spell at Lancaster.

‘JV’, who captained Chorley for part of his three-year spell here before moving to Scarborough in 2006 and then on to AFC Telford and Northwich Victoria, rejoined the Magpies last October as a non-contract player.

He helped the team to their first win in the FA Trophy since 1998.

He has agreed to return to the club after rejecting a contract offer from Northwich.

Delighted with his latest acquisitions, Flitcroft said: “These are two more great additions to the squad.

"Jamie needs no introduction to Chorley fans because he was a huge favourite here.

“He’s a quality player who has spent most of his career playing at a higher level, but he has agreed to join us because he’s excited by what we are trying to do here.

“He’s a real leader and loves a tackle but he’s also got a decent eye for goal, so he’s going to be a big player for us.

"He has a lot of affection for the club and when I met him I could see he was really up for the challenge.

“Jonathan is another leader who will be a great character to have in the dressing-room.

"He’s 6ft 4in tall, he’s great in the air in both boxes, and he has a wealth of experience, having won several promotions in his career.

“He was at Lancaster last season when they were going for promotion but before that he was with me at Leigh, so I know what he’ll give us.”

Delighted to seal a return to the club where he started his career in 2003, Vermiglio said: “I’ve got a lot of affection for Chorley.

"It was my first non-league club, and it feels great to be back.

“Andy Preece wanted me to stay at Northwich, but when I saw what was happening at Chorley, in terms of Garry’s appointment and some of the signings he has been making, this is where I wanted to be.

“I’m really excited about next season. Garry clearly hasn’t come here to cruise along in mid-table – he wants to go for promotion, and I can’t wait for pre-season training to start.”

Flitcroft has now signed 14 players since he replaced Steve Waywell as the club’s manager last month, including his former Blackburn Rovers team-mate Matt Jansen.