DANNY Meadowcroft’s arrival can make 1874 Northwich’s defence sturdier, according to co-manager Wayne Goodison.

The experienced back-marker has been invited to train with the North West Counties League Premier Division side this summer with a view to signing next month.

He played for Barnton in the same section last term.

“We need his know-how,” said Goodison.

“Danny will talk to his teammates in the right manner, and guide them through difficult situations.

“At times last season we looked fragile under pressure, and ended up conceding goals as a result.

“A player with his characteristics makes that less likely to happen.”

He told the Guardian that Meadowcroft, who has played for Northwich Victoria and Witton Albion previously, is not a replacement for Ryan Mitchell.

1874 are hoping to sign at least two central defenders this summer, while Danny Thomas is hopeful of making a return after suffering a serious facial injury earlier this year.

“It was a blow to lose Ryan,” admitted Goodison.

“But it doesn’t change what we planned to do; we told him, and Danny, that we wanted enough options to change our defensive shape should we want to.

“Guys like Matt Woolley and Mark Jones filled in for us when we needed them, but we want them in their best positions [in midfield].

“I’ve known Danny a long time, and he played for me briefly while I was at Trafford.

“We’ve kept in touch, and we often talk football when we bump into each other.

“He’ll be fit if he comes through pre-season with us, and that makes him an asset worth having.”