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Widnes delighted as they sign ex-Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Morecambe, Torquay, Southport keeper

Widnes say they are delighted as they sign ex-Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Morecambe, Torquay, Southport keeper Mark Halstead.

He comes in to the Northern Premier League Division One West club ahead of their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie away at Ossett United on Saturday.

Also on the eve of the new season, they revealed the following as their new signings…

πŸ”˜ Mark Halstead – former Premier League and EFL goalkeeper joins from Torquay United

πŸ”˜ Kingsley Williams – returns to the DCBL Stadium for a third spell after captaining Witton Albion for two seasons

πŸ”˜ Adam Bott – young midfielder joins on loan until January from National League North side Chester

πŸ”˜ Liam Paton – electric wide man arrives on three-month loan from Marine

πŸ”˜ Nathan Corness – forward arrives from Litherland REMYCA listing Warrington Town and Runcorn Linnets amongst his former clubs

πŸ”˜ Ben Rydel – versatile midfielder played every league game at Step 3 for Atherton Collieries last season

πŸ”˜ Ethan Danku – teenage forward scored in pre-season friendlies at Prescot Cables and Marine

πŸ”˜ Josh McGreevy – goalkeeper adds squad depth joining from Colne

πŸ”˜ Jack Walls – energetic right-back spent last season on dual registration at AFC Liverpool, appearing once for Widnes

πŸ”˜ Josh High – fans’ favourite who routinely impressed off the bench last season, scoring four goals in 16 games

Widnes said in a club statement: “Experienced goalkeeper pens terms after leaving Torquay United

Widnes Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of experienced goalkeeper Mark Halstead.

“The 33-year-old has spent the last three seasons at Torquay United and has penned terms at the DCBL Stadium after moving back to the North West.

“Halstead came through the ranks at Blackpool and enjoyed loan spells at Burscough, Hyde United, Barrow and Kettering Town during his formative years.

“He made his Seasiders debut in a Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Bloomfield Road in 2011, coming on a second half substitute in a 3-1 defeat.

“Mark would go out on loan again, playing four games during a brief spell at Stockport County in 2011 before making a further two appearances for Blackpool in the Championship.

“He moved to Shrewsbury Town on a free transfer in 2014, featuring 20 times in League One and Two in three seasons at New Meadow.

“Halstead spent the 2017-18 campaign at Southport before spending the ensuing three years at Morecambe.

“He played 47 games in League Two for the Shrimps and was an unused substitute in the 2021 play-off final victory over Newport County at Wembley.

“Gary Johnson brought Halstead to Torquay in 2021 and Mark would feature 91 times across the National League and National League South before departing earlier this summer.

“Mark is in contention to start Saturday’s FA Cup tie away at Ossett United.

“Welcome to Widnes, Mark!”

He’s been described by previous managers as “experienced,” “top-class” and “a decent all round goalkeeper” who “never once complains” and “hungry to prove he can be number one.”

Ex-Torquay boss Gary Johnson said of him: “I’ve signed some very good goalkeepers over the years, and I would say that Mark is right up there – he’s also the ultimate professional and he’s been a great signing for us. We needed someone who was cool, calm and collected in goal, and Mark was exactly that.”

HIS CAREER:

Youth
2006–2009 – Blackpool

Senior
2009–2014 – Blackpool – 5 games
2009 β†’ Burscough (loan) – 6 games
2010 β†’ Hyde (loan) – 8 games
2010 β†’ Barrow (loan) – 1 game
2011 β†’ Kettering Town (loan) – 3 games
2011 β†’ Stockport County (loan) – 4 games
2014–2017 – Shrewsbury Town – 26 games
2017–2018 – Southport – 16 games
2018–2021 – Morecambe – 65 games
2021–2024 – Torquay United – 143 games

Here’s how fans reacted with Widnes delighted as they sign ex-Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Morecambe, Torquay, Southport keeper Mark Halstead…

@JDWilliams92: You’ve got a great goalkeeper and a fantastic bloke! Massive signing for your club! Sad to see him leave Torquay!

@d_torq: Great signing for you. TUFC probably relegated last season without him.

@thomaspculley: Got yourself a class keeper there. Probably be best in your league

@The_bournes: Great keeper, top bloke. Good luck Mark

@daveyboy0579: Amazing keeper to good for this level. Good luck mate πŸ‘

@tufcalfie: good luck

@foreveryellow: loving this signing, really hope he does well for them

@paulohastings: what you love to see, glad he’s found a new club, hope he smashes it, great signings on the whole for widnes i have to say

@tangerinepete: Wishing him all the best, quality keeper and a brilliant addition to have especially for that level

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