DEAN Stott will captain Ramsbottom United next season following the decision of former skipper Gareth Seddon to retire.

Manager Mark Fell has promoted Stott from vice captain and moved early to tie up seven more members of last season's squad on new deals.

Luke Thompson, Martin Fearon, Jamie Rother, Grant Spencer, Brad Roscoe, Regan Jarrett and Alex Meaney have all agreed to remain at the Riverside.

But Ryan Salmon, Olly Crankshaw and Damien Green will not be returning.

Fell is also eager to add to his squad early in the summer, but admits he faces stiff competition for players at Evo-Stik level.

"There's no rest for managers at this time of year, but the battle for signings seems more intense than in previous seasons I've known," said the former Nelson boss, who led Rammy to 14th place in Evo-Stik First Division North in his first season in charge.

"Managers are trying to get their business done very early.

"It's a risky business announcing players as nobody actually signs until July, but I'm confident we've already secured several of our targets.

“I'm delighted to announce Dean Stott as club captain. It's a natural step from vice captain last season. He leads by example and is hugely respected by everyone at the club.

"I'd also like to thank those players who are moving on from the club. The nature of non-league football is that there is a natural turnover of players, but all those lads not staying leave with our best wishes."

The new-look Rams will return to pre-season training at the end of June before the season starts on August 12.

Dates for their pre-season fixtures will be announced soon, with Football League opposition, a local derby and a Welsh away-day expected to be confirmed.

Season tickets, priced £120 for adults and £70 for concessions, will be available to buy from July, while matchday prices have been set at £8 for adults, £4 for over-65s, those aged 16 and younger and students aged 17-18, and £1 for u12s accompanied by an adult.