Tigers make three new signings

Hyde United have made their first signings of the new season, with Tigers boss Nick Spooner bringing in three fresh faces as he rebuilds his squad.

Burly attacker Connor Heath has arrived from National League North side, Southport.

The 23-year-old impressed while on loan at Stafford Rangers, including a strong showing in a 1-1 draw at Ewen Fields in February.

Born in Crewe, he represented his hometown team’s academy until being released in the summer of 2020, when he made the short trip to join Nantwich Town.

Comfortable leading the line or on the wing, Heath has represented several clubs on loan, including Witton Albion, Farsley and Colwyn Bay.

The Tigers have also recruited highly rated goalkeeper Callum Hiddleston from Ossett United.

He began his career in Sheffield United’s academy, where he gained a reputation for penalty saves before his release last summer.

His former manager at Ossett, ex-Hyde striker David Brown, tweeted that Hiddleston is “The most impressive young keeper I’ve seen for a long time and at times single handedly won us points last season.”

The final new player is Jordan Scanlon, who was the stand-out performer at Atherton Collieries in their unsuccessful battle against relegation last term.

A natural number 10, he came through the youth teams at Liverpool and Rochdale, via loan spells at Ashton United and Ramsbottom United.

Hyde have also confirmed the return of former Glossop North End and Bury midfielder Shakeel Jones-Griffiths.

He was a mainstay of Hyde’s starting line-up last season, becoming a fan’s favourite for his whole-hearted performances.

20-year-old Sonny Whittingham will join ‘Shak’ in the centre of the park.

The former Huddersfield Town academy player returns for a second year at Ewen Fields.