Skelmersdale United strengthened their hand for the coming season by securing three players on contracts, including experienced former Everton striker Lewis Codling. The others,Steve Gillespie and Danny Ventre who extended deals highlighted in the Champion a couple of weeks ago into 12 month contracts.

Twenty six year old Codling is a local name having previously played for local rivals Marine and Warrington Town. After he left Everton, Codling made the move into Welsh football, initially with Aberystwyth Town then with Bala Town, at the latter he appeared in the Europa League. In two seasons with the ‘Lakesiders’ Lewis made 100 appearances netting 17 times.

Codling then spent two seasons with Marine, joining Warrington for their initial season in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, he a regular member of the Marine side, whilst at Cantilever Park he was absent from the Wire team that lost 4-0 at Skelmersdale in October, but scored against Skem in what was Tommy Lawson’s last match as manager in January.

Lewis himself is quoted on the Skelmersdale United website as saying; “I'm happy to sign for Skem and looking forward to helping the club in the pursuit for promotion next season” Skelmersdale United manager Alan Rogers is pleased adding; "Lewis is a fantastic signing for Skem as he brings pace and goals to the team. I am delighted to get his signing over the line."

After signing forms in May, both 31 year old Ventre and 32 year old Gillespie were secured on one year contracts on General Election day. Tough tackling Ventre has worked with Alan Rogers before at Sligo Rovers and said: " I am delighted to sign for the club and help them push for promotion next season, having worked under Alan before, I know how he goes about the job and I hope to be part of a successful season for United." .

Gillespie who was with Skem for the second half of last season on loan from Warrington said: "Delighted to be on board here at Skem and eager to push for promotion next season, that's the main aim for us after a mixed campaign last season.”

Another announcement made by Skelmersdale United over the weekend was the price for season tickets next season. Ticket prices have been reduced, Adults will be £165 and Concessions £90, although if supporters buy their tickets before Friday 21st they will be £150 and £80 respectively. These tickets will include free entry to all home pre-season matches.