LANCASHIRE Spinners have been given a big lift ahead of the new season after securing the services of giant forward Steven Vaughan.

The 6”10 former Reading Rockets player has became the fourth summer signing for the English Basketball League club, who have set up base in Bury after moving from Haslingden.

Vaughan, aged 22, enjoyed a prolific season with Blackburn Phoenix last year and could well become a star attraction when the Spinners kick off their Division Two campaign at Castle Leisure Centre in September.

Alongside the club’s trio of new guards – Josh Houghton, Steven Gayle and Mark Rangeley – coach Ken Masser believes the Spinners’ new contingent of Bury-based fans will be given a thrilling introduction to top-level basketball.

He said: “Steve is an exciting up-and-coming prospect. He’s just 22, but at 6”10 he gives us some real size which is important for us.

“To be fair to Steve though – he brings a lot more than size. He can shoot the ball very well and has an excellent mid-range game. He’s got two great hands and he finishes well around the basket.

“He’s an improving defender, a good strong rebounder, and is very well coached. Dan Byrne has done a brilliant job of developing his confidence last year with Blackburn and he has developed great fundamentals from his time with Reading.

“He’s going to be a really important player for us and I’m absolutely delighted to have him on board.”

Vaughan, who played at under-18s level for Reading before moving up north to study at Blackburn College, is looking forward to stepping back up to National League level.

He said: “I’m really excited to play at a high level with the Lancashire Spinners. We have a really good group, good coaching staff throughout the club and I’m impressed by how professional the club is.

“The Spinners are one of the most professional setups I’ve been around. I’m looking forward to contributing on and off the floor and helping the Spinners to become one of the most successful teams in the country.”

The Spinners have added to a squad that won the Division Three title last season as Rossendale Raptors, before they decided to rebrand and move to Bury after “outgrowing” their previous home at Haslingden Leisure Centre.

Their first match at Castle Leisure Centre will be a benefit game in aid of the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity on Friday, September 12, which will begin 7pm.

For more details visit www.

lancashirespinners.co.uk.