RADCLIFFE Borough boss Kevin Glendon believes he is well on the way to building a squad capable of staying in Evo-Stik Division One North, after five new players joined the club this week.

Glendon hopes the signings of central defenders Liam Baker and Mark Ayres, midfielders Ben Manning and Eliott Rokka, and goalkeeper Sam Moore can help Boro stave off a relegation dogfight, starting with a “must-win” game at bottom-of-the-table Ossett Albion on Saturday.

He said: “We have strengthened and we’ve got a little bit of a mixture. “We needed defenders. I think anyone could see we’ve struggled in the full back positions.

“Some are young lads but it is difficult to bring in experience at the moment due to where we are in the table and finances.”

Of the new signings, Glendon said: “We’ve got Liam on a work experience deal from Macclesfield Town. He’s only 17, and this is a hard level, but it gives him a good opportunity.

Rokka, also aged 17, signed permanently from Macclesfield, made his debut in the 8-0 defeat at Ramsbottom. Offering Boro some much needed experience is 28-year-old Ayres, who has signed from Atherton LR.

“Mark played centre-back in a promotion year for Ramsbottom and he’s also played for FC United, so he’s certainly used to the non-league scene.

While Manning returns to the club after 18 months away.

“Ben was a young lad when he first started with us. Obviously now he’s more experienced and he’s that much stronger.

With Matt Landregan and defender Danny Lambert – back in action after injury – pledging their futures to the club despite offers from elsewhere, things are beginning to look much more positive for Glendon’s side.

“Danny is back from injury now and he’s training really well, so that’s a massive plus for us.

“He was offered the opportunity to go to Droylsden but I think Danny recognises what the club has done for him over the past couple of months in terms of his recuperation.

“Matt turned down a move to Curzon, so it’s good that he’s staying.”

Looking ahead to the crucial game in Ossett Albion on Saturday, Glendon said: “We’ve got to go there and be really strong.

“Those three points are vital to us.

“It’s important we don’t get beat.

“We’ve worked hard in training over the last week so let’s hope it all pays dividends.”