New Saints sign up former Liverpool goalkeeper as Paul Harrison replacement
Oswestry, England 08 July 2021. UEFA Europa Conference League First qualifying round match between Bala Town and Larne. Credit: Will Cheshire / Clwb Peldroed.
The New Saints have made Warrington Town goalkeeper Daniel Atherton their first signing of the summer, subject to international clearance.
After the retirement of the long-serving goalkeeper and captain Paul Harrison, TNS had required another goalkeeper to provide competition for Connor Roberts.
They have landed up on Atherton, who last season was playing in the Northern Premier League for Warrington.
He was their first-choice goalkeeper and played regularly as saved a penalty kick to send his team into the promotion final, losing to Scarborough Athletic.
Commenting on his move to the official club website, he said: “I’m very happy to get this deal done. I can’t wait to get started and do what I can to help this club maintain and improve the standards they have set themselves. Let’s make this season the most successful one yet!”
The 22-year-old was once on the books of six-time Champions League winners Liverpool and was managed by Jurgen Klopp in a pre-season tour of the USA, before playing against 25,000 fans against Bradford City.
During his time at Anfield he had a loan spell at non-league Marine, before a move to America, signing for FC Malaga City in the USL Championship.
He would return to the British Isles though a season after and join up with Warrington.
“We’ve been watching Dan for some time now and have been really impressed with his performances,” admitted Limbrick.
“His key attributes, which include his ability to play out from the back, are one of the major reasons for signing him.
“He’s a good age, with plenty of time to develop so we’re really happy to have him on board to improve our goalkeeping department.”
As part of their retained list, TNS let go Josh Bailey, Morgan Daykin, Alex Kenny, Dean Ebbe, Jeanny Leblanc-Akpo, and Lewis Rees.
Louis Robles opted not to accept a new contract and joined Europa Conference League hopefuls, meanwhile, Adam Roscrow has been made available for transfer or loan.
Daykin has since joined Ardal Leagues outfit Corwen whilst Dean Ebbe has joined NIFL Premiership outfit Crusaders.
