THREE international-class signings and a new skipper are preparing to take Deeside Ramblers to the next level.
The Northern Counties Premier League side has replaced injured captain Mattie Allen with Geoff Price and the young side has been bolstered by the arrival of Ghazanfar Ali, Ibrar Latif and Imran.
Ali, who has represented Pakistan more than 200 times, has recently been plying his trade at Bowdon with Latif.
The veterans convinced younger Pakistan player Imran to join them at Deeside as the Tarporley-based club looks to build on their successful first season in the Premier Division.
Skipper Price said: “Their arrival was a surprise to me. I am really glad to have them on board.
“Their experience will be invaluable for the young players we have here.
“Ali is going to assist with coaching as well. There does seem to be a link between the Ramblers and Bowdon. I was there three years ago and it seems the older players there gravitate back to the Chester area as they age.”
Price said that he only accepted the position of captain when it became clear Allen’s back injury, which hit him halfway through last season, was not going to allow him to return to skipper the club this summer.
“I have been doing some coaching with the team for a couple of years,” said Price.
“Matt has had a back injury before and it kept him out for a long time. He seems to be in a similar situation now so the most seamless transition we could have was for myself to accept the position.”
As well as the three Pakistani arrivals, Ramblers have also signed Bowdon keeper Jimmy Hill.
“Training has gone really well so far,” said Price. “Everyone is fit and raring to go for the first friendly.”
That is at Northop Hall on September 6. Ramblers also have games against National League side Leek and Telford before opening their Premier League campaign at Ben Rhydding.
Deeside Ramblers’ junior players Ed Peel and Huw Barratt of Christleton have been selected for the UK Lions U14 side this season.
