As the 2022/23 non-league structure was announced yesterday that Basford United would move from the Northern Premier League to the Southern Central League, the Greenwich Avenue club made more announcements with a managerial incoming and signings of two established players.

Manager Mark Clifford has been joined by a new number two in Dave Frecklington, whilst the squad have been bolstered by two quality acquisitions, Anthony Dwyer joining from Nuneaton Borough and Adam Chapman heading in from Ilkeston.

Midfielder Chapman is a former Northern Ireland international who started his career at Sheffield United, before moving on to the likes of Oxford, Newport and Mansfield ahead of an established non-league career.

Still only 32, his recent spell at the Manor Ground saw him play his part in Ilkeston Town’s NPL Midland Division title success.

Dwyer is a former Mansfield Town striker who has played for a number of non-league sides scoring goals wherever he’s been. Most recently at Nuneaton, other clubs include Telford, Leamington and Tamworth.

The clubs new assistant manager, Dave Frecklington, has had spells as number one with the likes of Lincoln United, Matlock Town and Frickley Athletic, and brings with him a wealth of experience especially when it comes to recruiting players.

Frecklington stating on the clubs website “I am privileged and honoured to be joining such a professional and ambitious football club. As soon as the gaffer contacted me to come in and assist him it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“The meeting was refreshing and re-lit the torch paper. The gaffer’s enthusiasm and will to win matches mine, and together I believe we can be a successful partnership.”

The club’s owner Chris Munroe, who only last week lost his newly appointed Chairman Jamie Brough, has continued to ensure that the future of the Ambers stays strong, he said on twitter “What a day, going south to the Southern League and a new challenge. Mark Clifford brining in Dave Frecklington which is a superb move, and Cliffy signs five today with two unveiled as Nilo (Dwyer) and Chappo (Chapman) sign contracts. Big characters, proven quality and potent goal threat”.

The full make-up for the Southern Central League next season is as follows…

AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Alvechurch, Barwell, BASFORD UNITED, Bedford Town, Bromsgrove Sporting, Coalville Town, Hednesford Town, Hitchin Town, Ilkeston Town, Kings Langley, Leiston, Mickleover, Needham Market, Nuneaton Borough, Redditch United, Royston Town, Rushall Olympic, St Ives Town, Stourbridge, Stratford Town, Tamworth.

*Main image @Basfordutdfc Frecklington (centre) joins Mark Clifford and Chris Munroe at the club.