Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have moved to strengthen their squad further by agreeing deals with a trio of players ahead of the big kick-off.

Niall Short has agreed terms on a non-contract basis after the Spennymoor-born defender impressed during the second half of last term and during recent pre-season friendlies.

“Niall has been training with us for the last six months and he’s consistently been around the First Team squad,” boss Anthony Johnson told us.

“At 22, he’s not really a young player so we really want to see him step up now and start to make appearances in the men’s game because he’s been absolutely fantastic in pre-season.

“He’s a more than able back-up to Scott Duxbury in that left-back position and he’s shown his quality going forward so he’s someone we hope can break into the squad consistently in the coming weeks.”

Moors have also agreed permanent deals with Niah Payne and Charlie Watt, who have both caught the eye during trials with the club during pre-season.

Payne was a mainstay of the Peterhead side which secured its position in Scottish League One last term, but he turned down the offer of a new deal in order to pursue a move back to England.

The 23-year-old scored four goals in 65 appearances overall for The Blue Toon who were keen to keep him at the club for 2022/23 but he’s now signed for Moors subject to international clearance.

“Niah is someone who came in during the second week of pre-season and has done really well,” said Johnson.

“He reminds us quite a bit of Ryan Hall so he’s different from our other attacking players in terms of his direct running, being aggressive in possession and looking to get to the byline and put the ball into good areas.

“He’s a different kind of outlet to what we have in the squad and a player we think can make a big impact in the way that he plays.”

Meanwhile, Watt was released from Carlisle United at the end of last term following the completion of a scholarship with the League Two outfit.

The 18-year-old forward has taken his chance to impress whilst on trial with Moors this pre-season and has now signed for the club, subject to FA approval.

“Charlie is someone who excited Bernard and I from the first time we saw him,” explained Johnson.

“He’s got unbelievable ability and an absolute hammer of a left peg so he’s someone we feel enthusiastic about because he’s everything you want in a teenage player.

“Charlie has an old head on his young shoulders, he’s hungry to learn and shown a real desire to play for this Football Club so he’s someone we think can make some noise in and around the First Team this season.”