RAMSBOTTOM United have signed Radcliffe Borough's highly rated goalkeeper Chris Cheetham.

Management duo Mark Fell and Paul Fildes beat off a number of potential suitors to tempt the 22-year-old former Bradford trainee to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

They also added defensive midfielder Sam Freakes to the squad, bringing their number of acquisitions since taking over at Rammy to three, following the previous week's signing of Gareth Seddon.

Borough, meanwhile, have yet to announce any new signings since the appointment of new manager Bill Prendergast, but it is understood last season's captain Ric Smith, along with team-mates Sam McMahon and Jamie Forbes, have left the club.

Boro have yet to confirm any of the four departures, but it is clear Cheetham will definitely be turning out for their Evo-Stik First Division North rivals next season.

"I came over to meet Mark and Paul and immediately knew this was where I wanted to play my football," said Wigan-born Cheetham.

"The club's plans absolutely meet my personal ambitions and the professionalism in how the club operates is superb, I can't wait to get started."

Joint manager Mark Fell believes the signing of Cheetham and 24-year-old Freakes, whose former clubs include Salford and Droylsden, were testament to the club's determination to bounce back following a first relegation in their 50-year history.

"We're delighted to welcome two young, dynamic and hard-working players to the club who have undoubted quality," said Fell.

"Chris is a player that comes with a great reputation, knows the league and is hungry for success.

"With Sam we've got a player both me and Paul have seen several times and we're both very impressed with, he's a great technical exponent but also a strong lad who'll give us some bite and box-to-box work-rate in midfield."

Fellow boss Fildes added: "These are two targets we identified quickly and they've both been a pleasure to deal with.

"I'm delighted to be working with them. We're now focussed on bringing in further signings that are the right players for the club and fit our requirements in terms of players’ ability, mentality, experience and desire."