Further boost to squad as Margy makes more signings

FC United manager Karl Marginson has taken further steps to strengthen his squad with a raft of new signings announced this week.

Former Hyde club captain Dave Birch has signed up for next season. The midfielder was a key member of the Hyde first team last season, "Dave has the ability to both break up opposition attacks and link to the front players to launch attacks," said Margy. "He is a player who leads by example, his great attitude and his tidy passing game should make him a key part of the FC United squad next season."

Former Salford midfielder Chris Curley has also signed for the club and Margy is delighted to announce that Matthew Wolfenden and Stephen Johnson have also signed on for another year - two key players for FC last season. Margy has also secured the services of FC United old-boy Rhodri Giggs. Rhodri will return as a player next season after leaving the post of manager at Salford City last season. Along with Jerome Wright, whose signing we announced last month, Rhodri is returning to a club that he previously played for, in his case for just over a season from 2007.

Speaking about the latest signings, Karl said: "Next season’s squad is really coming together now and I’m delighted with the way things are shaping up. Getting Wolfy and Johnno back for another season at least is a real boost and I know that both of them are desperate to go one better than we did last year by achieving promotion to the next level. Rhodri is also a great signing for us. He’s a quality player who can play in a number of positions and his experience will be a valuable addition to the squad. There are still a few other players we’re currently talking to, including some re-signings from last year to tie up, so we hope to bring in a couple of further additions before the start of the new season."

In other player news, Margy has announced that Astley Mulholland will be leaving the club. "Astley has done brilliant for FC in his time with the club, scoring some crucial goals, but he wants to play more regular first team football and has decided to move on. On behalf of everyone at FC I wish him all the best for the future and thank him for everything he’s done for us."

The first chance to see the new 2012/13 FC United squad in action will be at the pre-season friendlies. You can find out who we are playing and when here.