RYAN Clarke has signed an 18-month deal at the Marston’s Arena.

The former Salisbury City shot stopper made his move to Cheshire permanent yesterday, Wednesday, after an initial month-long loan.

Vics will not pay a transfer fee.

The ex-Whites custodian has made only two starts since switching to the Wincham club in November, conceding six goals in that time.

Scott Tynan has taken over between the posts since then, although Clarke was back on the bench for Northwich’s derby duel with Altrincham on Boxing Day.

Vics manager Steve King hailed the 26-year-old as the best goalkeeper in non-league after securing the Bristol born custodian’s signature.

“I’ve had three or four chief execs from other clubs on the phone asking how we’ve pulled this deal off,” he said at the time.