1874 NORTHWICH have announced two new signings – including one who will be very familiar to fans.

Full-back Paul Connor, who made over 200 appearances for the club before leaving prior to last season, returns to Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer’s squad.

Joining Connor at 1874 is former Northwich Victoria striker Joel Brownhill, who joins on dual registration from Northern Premier League outfit Spalding United.

Connor’s return cushions the blow of Mike Koral’s departure to Nantwich Town and he says returning to the club was “a no-brainer” for him.

“I missed it, to be honest,” he told 1874 TV.

“I left at the back end of last season as I wanted to do something a bit different, but a few months in I knew I wanted to return.

“It was a no-brainer when I spoke to Goody and Bow about coming back. The opportunity was there so here we are.

“It says a lot that a lot of players do leave and come back. There’s a sense of belonging at the club.

“I was under the impression that Mike would be here and I’d be trying to gain a place from a lad who has had such a good season.

“Fair play to him, he’s deserved the move and it’s now up to me to prove that I should be the starting right back this season.”

Northwich Guardian:

Joel Brownhill during his Northwich Victoria days. Picture by Angela Buckley

Meanwhile Brownhill, whose brother Lewis was part of the Thatcham Town squad that won the 2018 FA Vase – knocking 1874 out in the semi-finals along the way - explained the nature of his dual-registration arrangement.

“Spalding is a fair way for me to go during the week for training,” he said.

“I spoke to Goody and he said I could come down and get some fitness in. If I’m needed in the week, I’m here to help out.

“It’s a top set of lads and I feel like I’ve fitted in straight away.

“It’s nice to be here and I want to play football and enjoy it.”