Two more for Starbuck

By Matt Lawton
June 30 2004

Leigh RMI manager Phil Starbuck has completed the fifth and sixth signings of his pre-season, whilst ruling out the capture of a player previously reported to be on his way to Hilton Park.

Starbuck has completed the signing of 31 year old former Hull and Cardiff midfielder Gareth Stoker from Conference rivals Forest Green Rovers on a two-year contract, who also has Conference experience with Scarborough.

Also signing on the dotted line at Hilton Park is 19 year old striker Craig Mitchell, who joins the Railwaymen on a one-year deal following his release from Mansfield Town. Mitchell made a handful of league appearances for the Stags last season, whilst also gaining first team experience at Conference level during a loan spell with Northwich Victoria.

With last season's top scorer David McNiven looking set to leave the club admist interest from Carlisle United and promoted Shrewsbury Town, Starbuck is on the look-out for a new striker, whilst admitting that he will take a look at a number of trialists throughout his side's hectic pre-season programme.

Meanwhile, Starbuck has also ruled out a move for former Scarborough defender James Dudgeon, despite reports earlier in the week stating that he'd crossed the Pennines from Halifax to join the Leythers.