The weekly playing budget has been increased by a total of 35% in two stages from the beginning of the year. The second stage applies with immediate effect and continues until the end of the season. The payment of the additional wage costs has been funded privately by a group of lifelong fans who have given the green light to Club officials to approve further strengthening of the squad by manager Carl Macauley.

More signings have taken place today with striker Tom Peers joining the Mariners on loan from Chester and defender James Short returns after a short spell at Skelmersdale United.

Both players will be eligible for tomorrow’s game at Rushall Olympic subject to registration clearance at the Evo-Stik League. These signings follow the recently recruited Liam Blake and Jamie Menagh both on loan from Chester in addition to midfielder Carl Peers from AFC Liverpool and Jay Colbeck from Warrington Town.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said:

“We are very fortunate to have a group of diehard fans that have provided the funds to significantly increase the playing budget for our manager. This additional funding tops up the original weekly playing budget that has been maintained through the season by the Club. I thank the individuals concerned for their absolute commitment to the cause and I sincerely hope that their valuable input will be rewarded come the end of the season.”

Paul Leary added:

“This funding enables Carl to improve the squad in numbers and quality and will enable our manager to sign players that the original budget would have prevented him from doing and I am sure that more signings will be made in the next couple of weeks.”

Marine Manager Carl Macauley added:

“I would like to thank the Club and the fans concerned for providing extra funds that enables me to secure additional and better players. Every effort will be made by me and my staff to secure the short term aims of this club as we sign players that will make the difference and improve our results”