Nantwich Town are delighted to be able to announce six signings on the cusp of the league season.
First, we are pleased to announce the return of AJ Leitch-Smith to the club ahead of the new season.
AJ spent the first part of last season at the Dabbers, scoring twice in 16 appearances in all competitions.
He’s made some appearances in pre-season as a trialist and has done enough to earn his return to the Dabbers.
Paul Carden said:
“We all know how much ability he’s got, if we can keep him fit we’ve got a real good player on our hands. He’s a good lad and a good pro, he lives the right way and is a good example for the younger players.”
Next, we are pleased to announce the signing of Kai Evans.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder started out at Stoke City but signed a pro contract with the Welsh side in 2021, and made a couple of competitive appearances for them.
He was top scorer in the National League Youth Alliance from midfield in 2021.
And Dabbers supporters may remember him playing and scoring for Wrexham against Nantwich in our friendly last year.
Paul said:
“Kai’s someone who’s been on our radar for some time. He’s been injured for a while, it set him back, but you can clearly see in training and the game’s he’s played the ability he has; he played for Wrexham last season so if that doesn’t speak volumes about his quality then nothing else will. It’s up to us to work together to get him back to the level he was at and hopefully help us.”
Also, we are happy to announce the re-signing of last season’s joint top scorer Byron Harrison.
Byron scored 8 goals in 30 appearances last campaign and has scored 3 in this pre-season.
Paul said:
“I totally respect that he wanted to challenge himself at a higher level, he spoke to a couple of clubs but it didn’t materialise and we always kept that door open. I’m delighted to have him back onboard because he’ll be such an important asset to us, he gives us a focal point, hold up play is top drawer, and his experience in the dressing room will be vital.”
We can also announce the signing of Lewis Sinnott on loan from Warrington Town.
The 21-year old can play both left and right back and has also spent time at Burscough and Bootle.
Paul said:
“I’ve known of Lewis for a long time, we were made aware of him through Warrington who I’ve got close ties with, he’ll come in and add competition to that role in defence. He’s young and wants to do well and I’m sure he’ll make a positive impact.”
Finally, we are pleased to announce the signing of Somalian internationals and brothers, defender Mohamud Ali and midfielder Ahmed Ali.
The 29-year-old Mohamud brings plenty of non-league experience, having played for, among others, Curzon, Southport, Warrington Town, and most recently Stalybridge.
He’s been capped 8 times by his country, including in World Cup qualifiers. A famous win for Somalia in 2019 saw him interviewed by the Guardian, where you can read more about him and his family’s journey.
Ahmed has most recently been at Halesowen and Redditch United, and has played before with his brother at Northwich Vics.
Paul said:
“I knew Mo from Warrington, he was unlucky to pick up a cruciate injury as he was doing really well at the time. After his rehab he played a few games for Stalybridge and he looks as strong and aggressive as he’s been before. He’s a real tough competitor, versatile across the back-line and he’ll add to what we’ve got in defence because he’s a top lad as well.”
“Ahmed is somebody I’ve known of but not seen a lot of as he’s played a lot of football in the Midlands, in the Southern Central Division which is a tough league. He came to training with us and looked fit, strong, competitive, he’s left footed and more of a defence-minded midfielder which is something we didn’t have in the squad.”
Welcome to the Dabbers, Mohamud, Ahmed, Lewis and Kai, and welcome back Byron and AJ!