FORMER FC United of Manchester captain Dean Stott became the latest player to bolster the ranks at Ramsbottom United this week.

The 26-year-old Burnley-based right-back, who can also play in central midfield, played a pivotal role in FC United’s rapid climb up the non-league pyramid and also has experience from spells at Preston, Burnley and Hyde. 

 Stott wasted no time putting pen to paper following a meeting with the Rams’ management during the week.

He said: “We had a great chat during the week, it’s very clear to me how the managers want to play and it was refreshing to hear the club’s ambition and drive.

“Rammy are a club who I feel are going places and I want to be part of the new era there.”

 Joint manager Paul Fildes added: “There are not many players out there at 26 years old who have won as many titles as Dean, the fact we’ve got a lad in his physical prime, with experience of winning an Evo-Stik title makes him a fantastic acquisition.

“Dean’s turned down better offers financially to join us and it’s confirmation to us we are heading in the right direction in terms of how professionally we run things.” 

The Rams are also looking for the next generation of players after setting up a new under-21s “senior academy” side.

The club is working with Accrington and Rossendale College on the academy side this season.

Players will benefit from UEFA A and B licence coaches, while the college will give them the opportunity to undertake full and part time qualifications and possibly progress to scholarships in the USA, as well as being in the shop window for pro and semi-pro clubs including progression into the Rammy first team.

Each player having a personal development programme that may include semi-pro loan opportunities through loan move with senior clubs in the NWCFL, nutrition and fitness support as well as medical care through the club physio’s.

The new look side will play in the Lancashire FA U21’s league, with games being played midweek under floodlights, they will also participate in regular showcase friendlies against Football League and Vanarama Conference reserve teams.

To register for an open training session please contact markfell17@hotmail.com or Mark Fell on 07736 037607 stating full name, age, position and previous clubs.