Ambitious Hednesford Town capture latest statement signing

Hednesford Town swooped for the signature of FC United of Manchester triple player of the season winner Jay Fitzmartin for a statement signing ahead of the new season.

Ambitious National League North new boys Hednesford are looking to make their mark back at step two after successive promotions.

And Kelvin Davis’ men have secured their latest eye-catching recruit with a deal for attacker Fitzmartin, who was a key man for rivals FC United in the Northern Premier Division last season.

Fitzmartin, a former Bolton Wanderers youth product, scored 15 goals in 44 games as FC United, like Hednesford, secured a play-off place but the Manchester side were ousted in the semi-final by Warrington Rylands, who lost out on penalties to the Pitmen in the final.

Fitzmartin, 23, won manager’s, players’ and supporters’ player of the season awards at FC United and also bagged a spot in the Northern Premier’s team of the season.

Pitmen director of football Andrew Reed said: “He is a player we know very well, having seen his quality first-hand, and we believe he has the ability, character and capacity to continue developing with us.”

Hednesford, meanwhile, have allowed midfielder Niall Watson, 26, to move in the other direction to FC United on a season-long loan.

New Lichfield City boss Matty Lovatt has continued preparation for the Northern Premier One West campaign with the addition of former Redditch and Walsall Wood defender Matty Hughes.