IT may be the close season but Chorley FC have been busy, signing five players and launching three new kits.

Among the new signings is Altrincham defender Scott Leather.

The 24-year-old has been with Altrincham since July 2012 and has made close to 180 appearances for the Moss Lane club.

Formerly with Preston North End and Crewe, Scott is a massive signing for the club and turned down an offer from incoming Alty manager Neil Young to remain a Robin, opting to become a Magpie instead.

Arriving from Vanarama National League side Southport are defensive duo Adam Blakeman and Matt Challoner while striker Sefton Gonzalez has joined from Evo-Stik First Division North outfit Clitheroe.

Blakeman came through the ranks at Bolton Wanderers before spending 12 months with Hyde followed by 6 months in Scotland with Ayr United.

He joined Southport in the summer of 2015 and was first choice left-back at the end of the season as the team recovered from what looked like certain relegations earlier in the campaign.

He can also play in in central or left midfield.

Challoner joined Southport from Blackpool in 2013 and has clocked up over 80 appearances in non-league’s top flight as the Sandgrounders first choice right back.

Gonzales, who will be familiar to many Chorley fans following his appearances against us in the Lancashire Challenge Cup and also follow a brief stint with Stockport County earlier in the 2015/16 season, is a towering striker with an eye for goal having netted 21 times for the Shawbridge club since his return in October 2015. He has previously also played for Kendal Town.

The most recent signing is a quality midfielder in the shape of Josh O'Keefe, a former Blackburn Rovers player..

Chorley Football Club have also released the 2016/2017 kits.

All three kits have been designed by EV2 working in partnership with the club and provide a clean, fresh new look for the team and supporters alike.

The home kit will feature new sponsors Refresh Recovery who were the main prize winners at this year’s 200 club Gala Dinner and on the rear local business and long term supporters of the club Price and Price Building.

Our Striking Yellow away strip sees the return of Front Sponsor EnviroCare for the final year of a 3-year sponsorship contract, and on the rear of the away shirt is another loyal and returning sponsor Fredericks Ice Cream who decided to sponsor the rear of the shirt again for a second year after the success of last year’s sponsorship.

The 3rd kit sees the club donning a royal blue shirt with yellow detailing.