WARRINGTON Town have secured their first signing of the summer in the shape of striker James Dean.

The 30-year-old striker moves to Cantilever Park from National League North side Chorley, where he scored 60 goals in 130 appearances.

The 6 foot 3 inch forward is vastly experienced in non-league football and can list Bury, Altrincham, Harrogate Town, AFC Halifax and Stalybridge Celtic among his former clubs.

Manager Stuart Mellish is currently shaping his squad for their first season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League after winning promotion last season and says the signing of Dean shows his side mean business.

“When I spoke to him he was delighted we were making a move for him, he’s really up for the challenge of taking us forward,” he said.

“He’s a player I’ve admired for a good few years now so when it became clear he was going to be available, I jumped at the chance to speak to him.

“I’ve done my homework on him, he’s big, powerful, scores goals and knows the division well. I’m confident he will be a massive asset for us.”

Mellish says the signing is a statement of the club’s ambition.

“He knows the division above as well which is ultimately where we want to be,” he said.

“We’re delighted James is on board, he can take us to another level.”.