NORTHWICH Victoria have started to unveil members of their new-look squad.

New manager Steve Pickup has had to start from scratch after all but three of last season’s playing group departed following the FA’s decision to laterally move Vics into the Midland League, which means more time travelling to matches.

But he has now confirmed eight players who have been brought into the first-team set-up as preparations intensify for the start of the 2023/24 season next month.

MIDFIELDERS:

Kev Exell:

Having been at Winsford United in the North West Counties Premier Division last season, Exell will add a bit of experience to a young team.

He is described as a hard-working, combative player who is never afraid to go in for a tackle.

Pickup said: "Kev has been great since joining us. He’s always been a player that I thought I would sooner him be with us than against us. Top lad, too."

Exell is setting his sights high in 2023/24.

He said: "Vics are such a massive club and one when I've played against, I have always thought I'd love to play in front of these fans.

“My goal is to be up there challenging at the end of the season."

Tom Jenkins:

Nineteen-year-old Jenkins has worked his way up through the Wrexham youth system, having spent 11 years there before deciding it was time to move on at the end of last season.

Pickup is delighted that Jenkins has chosen Vics as the club to be at on his next step of his footballing career.

"Great lad with great ability, and a wand of a left foot," said Pickup.

Bailey Burke:

Burke is one of Northwich’s own as he steps up from last season's under 21s squad to sign for the first team.

He is considered a hard-working midfielder and has impressed in pre-season training.

"Bailey has stepped up very well from the under 21s and performed well. A tough tackling midfielder with a good future ahead," said Pickup.

ATTACKERS:

Archie Angles:

He came through the Nantwich Town youth system where he was a prolific poacher and is deemed to have all the assets to be a great signing.

Angles has an eye for goal and is looking forward to working under the guidance of Pickup and Matt Barnes.

"I chose to sign for Vics because I knew it was going to be competitive as well as being at a great standard. I’m looking forward to developing my footballing ability under Steve and Matt," he said.

Max Giani:

Another young local player who started at Lostock Gralam before moving to Alsager Town in December 2022.

He has impressed during pre-season, providing a figure head up front and has a natural eye for a goal.

Malakai McKenzie:

He is already a fans' favourite after scoring two wonderful goals during the pre-season matches against AFC Blackpool and Newcastle Town.

After spending a season in Iceland playing for IF Dalvik Reynir where he was named young player of the season, he came back to join Chorley.

He is a reputation for being an exciting pacy winger who is not afraid of taking on defenders.

Sieco Camara:

A left wing back, who moved to Portugal from Guinea as a child, arrived in England nine years ago.

Teams where he has spent time include Witton Albion Development Squad and St Helens Town.

DEFENDERS:

Kyle Phipps:

The centre back joins the Trickies from 1874 Northwich, where he took the step up from their under 21s side.

He became the youngest player for 1874’s first team when he came on as a substitute for his debut at Stockport County in the Cheshire Senior Cup aged 16, nine months and 22 days.

Phipps later became the club’s youngest ever scorer when he netted against Runcorn Town at the end of the 2018/19 season.