CLITHEROE have signed former Blackburn and Accrington midfielder Joel Byrom on a two-year deal.

And chairman Carl Garner hailed the capture as the most positive thing to happen to the club since the FA Vase final at Wembley in 1996.

Byrom, who spent the second half of last season at Shawbridge, featured for Conference North side Southport on a non-contract basis on Saturday and Tuesday, scoring two goals, and is understood to have been offered terms.

But the 20-year-old revealed he was more than happy to commit to the Blues.

He said: "When I left Accrington last year I thought about giving up football.

"But I really enjoyed my time here. They've given me a new lease of life and a licence to do what I want on the park."

Garner added: "The boy's a quality player. He can do things with the ball that players on the television can't.

"This is one of the biggest signings the club has made. He's a special player and a special talent.

"This is a big day for Clitheroe."

The Blues have also signed former Rovers starlet Gary Stopforth.

However, they will be without Will Exton and Kieran Fletcher for tomorrow's trip to Woodley Sports, and Ryan Fisher is missing due to work commitments.