Jason Ainsley has bolstered his attack with the addition of former Chester wide-man Ben McKenna.
The tricky 26-year-old is comfortable on either wing and signed for the Moors last night amid interest from several clubs.
But he is no stranger to Ainsley or to Spennymoor Town. McKenna discussed potentially joining the Moors in January, before eventually becoming a Chester player for the second half of 2018/19.
But the Burnley native left Chester at the end of the season and interest was immediately reignited from the Spennymoor management team. He caught their eye when he scored the winner against the Moors in August whilst playing for Bradford Park Avenue, where he scored five goals in the first half of the season.
The second half of the campaign was less fruitful with the Blues, where he made nine appearances and scored one further goal.
“He was a constant thorn in our side.”
Jason Ainsley
Now the deal is done, Ainsley made it clear he is pleased that his side won’t have to face McKenna on the pitch again. He said: “We’ve come across Ben on numerous occasions and he has certainly caused us a few problems when he has played against us.
“He scored the winner against us for Bradford Park Avenue last August and was a constant thorn in our side.
“He is quick, direct and will be a real asset in the coming season.”
It’s an assessment McKenna echoes himself.
“I love to get at full backs,” he said during his first look around the home dressing room of The Brewery Field, “I’m probably best known for dribbling and crossing. I’m right footed but can cross with either foot to keep defenders guessing.
“It’s pretty easy to sum up Spennymoor Town: it’s a club on the up. Just missing out on promotion last season in that manner must have been hard to take, so I’m just looking forward to doing as well as I can and helping us get promoted.
“I know most of the lads through playing against them over the years, but I know Stephen Brogan well from our time at Stalybridge together and Adam Boyes from Bradford Park Avenue. Everyone says it’s a great group here.
“I met with Jason and Tommy at Scotch Corner and they set out an ambitious plan which excited me. We’d spoken in January, but I ended up going to Chester. When I left there I was pleased to hear they were still interested in me and I know I can be a success here.”
McKenna was loaned out to Annan Athletic from Carlisle in 2012, before spells for Workington, Stalybridge Celtic, Southport, Stockport and Curzon Ashton, as well as two spells with Bradford Park Avenue.
As a regular starter throughout his career, he has strong experience at this level, which will put him in good stead for the promotion push in store.
WATCH BEN IN ACTION THIS SEASON WITH A REDUCED-PRICE SEASON TICKET
There are three ways to order your 2019/20 Season Ticket:
- Order online here (a small admin fee is applied per ticket to cover PayPal charges incurred).
- Download an application form from here and drop it into The Moors Tavern with payment.
- Get your form from The Moors Tavern and pay at the Tavern.
FULL PRICE STRUCTURE
| Season Ticket price | Price decrease vs 18/19 | CAT B standard admission | CAT A standard admission | Free games per season ticket | |
| Adults | £150.00 | 28% | £10.00 | £14.00 | 7.33 |
| Concessions | £110.00 | 21% | £8.00 | £9.00 | 7.65 |
| U18s | £30.00 | 50% | £3.00 | £4.00 | 11.43 |
| Family (2 adult, 1 jnr) | £300.00 | – | – | – | – |
| Family (2 adult, 2 jnr) | £320.00 | – | – | – | – |
| CAT A (£14/£9/£4) | CAT B (£10/£8/£3) |
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