CARL Macauley has returned to Burscough, among his former clubs as a player, to further strengthen Witton Albion’s squad ahead of the new season.

Paul Williams, who helped the Linnets reach the Northern Premier League’s Division One North play-offs by finishing fifth last term, signed a contract on Tuesday night.

Primarily a central midfielder, he is comfortable too in defence.

“He had bigger offers than ours from other clubs, so we’re really happy to have him,” said Macauley.

Williams has been a regular for Burscough for the past four seasons.

He follows a path taken already this summer by defender Anthony Brown and attacker Matty Devine.

And that trio make a swift return to Victoria Park, where Witton are due to play a pre-season friendly this Friday, kick off 7.45pm.

The arrivals of Wes Benjamin, from Clitheroe, and ex-Blackburn Rovers Academy player Bradley Bauress were also announced at the weekend.