Goal machine: Athersley Recreation striker Joe Thornton has signed for Shaw Lane Aquaforce
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Predatory strikers Joe Thornton and Lee Morris will be playing for Toolstation NCEL Premier Division newcomers Shaw Lane Aquaforce this season, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Thornton joins from local rivals Athersley Recreation and Morris arrives from Evo Stik Premier Division side Buxton – the latter will also combine his playing duties with a role as one of Elliott’s assistants.
The pair are seen as excellent signings as Thornton found the net 35 times for the Rec last season, while 32-year-old Morris – who Harrogate Town paid £10,000 for in 2004 – scored 22 goals for Buxton.
Morris is also known for his long association with Frickley Athletic and Elliott, who has also re-signed right-back Gary Stohrer, midfielder Danny Patterson and top striker Danny Frost, is delighted to sign the duo.
“They bring plenty of goals,” Elliott told Sports Performer.
“Joe is proven at this level and had a fantastic season last year.
“Lee Morris has vast experience and has been a good front man at Evo Stik level for a number of years and hopefully he will bring that to the team.
“I’m also pleased to keep Gary Stohrer because a number of teams were chasing him.
“I’m happy with what we have got so far.”
Elliott has also readjusted his coaching staff for the new season. Daz Smith remains assistant manager alongside Morris. Luke Potter becomes head coach in place of Sean Regan, while Gary Devenport continues in his role as fitness coach.
The Barnsley-based side begin their pre-season training June 28th to prepare for a campaign in the Premier Division.
The Division One runners-up will enter a league in August that is set to be one of the most competitive in recent years and Elliott added: “I think it will be a hard league this year.
“Heanor are making some big signings. Tadcaster will be up there and Handsworth have some big intentions.
“It is an exciting league to be involved in and it’s a hard league to get out of because only one team goes up.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Elliott hopes to name further new signings over the course of the next seven days.