RAMSBOTTOM United have made a double loan signing from National League North side Chester.

Nathan Brown and Alex Downes have joined the Rams initially until October with an option to extend the deals.

Both players faced the Rams at the Riverside in pre-season and have already had first-team involvement this term with Chester, now joint-steered by ex-Rammy management team Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.

Brown made a substitute appearance in their recent win against Curzon Ashton and is progressing well, having put in some dynamic performances last season and extending his contract at the Deva Stadium in the summer.

The striker was voted young player of the season last term and his winner against Bromley was voted goal of the season.

Defender Downes joined Chester from Wrexham and made his debut in last season’s Cheshire Senior Cup. He also signed a professional contract in the summer and is highly rated at the club.

Rams boss Mark Fell said: “Both are very highly thought of at Chester, Jonno [Johnson] rang me a week ago giving me an indication of their availability and it’s clear they have high hopes for them both.

“It’s great that they see us as the right club to help them progress.”

Rammy have also added bustling forward Ben Deegan to their squad.

Deegan, a 6ft 2in target man, played for Glossop and promoted side Hyde last season and arrives with an excellent goalscoring record with the likes of FC United and Nantwich.

The 30-year-old from Manchester was also a key part of the Warrington side that won promotion from the Evo-Stik First Division North.

Fell added: “We’ve not had this type of striker since Gaz Seddon.

“He’s good on the ball for a big man, he can win the flick-ons and bring others into play.

“He’s a good lad to have in the dressing room and knows what this division is all about.”

The Rams manager also gave an update on off-field recruitment ahead of the club’s first Evo-Stik League West Division match, at home to Market Drayton Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Ramsbottom have brought in a new goalkeeping coach in Andy Robertson, an experienced former player who kept goal for Chorley, Droylsden, Mossley, Witton and Trafford during an illustrious non-league career.

He also had a short, eight-game spell with Rammy in 2008.

‘Rubz’ will work with the club’s goalkeepers and is also registered to play as emergency cover.

“The goalkeeping coach position is something we needed to sort,” added Fell.

“Rubz knows the level well, has been an excellent keeper himself and has put superb sessions on for Sam Ashton and Nik Stinca.

“He’s a great character to have around the club and a good addition to our staff.”