Defender Ollie Southern is latest Warrington Town signing

Defender Ollie Southern has signed on the dotted line to join Mark Beesley’s squad for the upcoming National League North campaign having spent the early part of pre-season training with the club.

The 22-year-old, who can play in any role across the defence, has featured as a trialist in both of Town’s pre-season friendlies thus far having left Hereford, for whom he played 25 times in Yellows’ division last season.

“I’ve gelled with the team quite quickly in training and on the pitch, it’s been a pleasure playing with the boys,” said Southern, who spent time in the youth systems at both Manchester United and Crewe Alexandra before playing in Wales with Bala Town.

“I like the playing style, I like playing out from the back and getting on the ball, it suits me perfectly.

“I’ll play wherever the gaffer needs me, but I do like playing right back. As long as I’m on the pitch, I’ll give it my all.”

Southern has featured as a trialist in both of Town's pre-season friendlies (Image: Sean Walsh)

Southern’s arrival bolsters a Town squad that had already seen midfielder Bohan Dixon return to the club this summer.

“Ollie was someone we knew and we’ve done a lot of homework on,” said Beesley as the full-back moves closer to his native Leigh.

“He played in this league last year and did reasonably well and he’s a local lad and once we were alerted that he was available, it was something we thought ‘let’s get him in and have a look and bed him in and give him time.’

“Pre-season is about seeing if the lads fit and suit the way we want to do things and he’s definitely done that.

“He’s gone from strength to strength and plays in a variety of positions, which in a small squad gives us that flexibility that we need.”