A SHOEMAKER from the Ribble Valley has proved he has the magic touch after signing up with Sale Sharks.

But Whalley-based Marco Vaghetti isn’t about to tackle a new career with the Gallagher Premiership outfit.

His firm Lanx now has the contract to supply the likes of Chris Ashton, Denny Solomona and Tom Curry with some cutting-edge brogues off the field.

Staff were even invited down the club’s Carrington training complex to get a feel for what equipping fly-half AJ McGinty to man-mountain back rowers like Jono Ross and Josh Strauss might entail.

And to round off the bespoke assignment, which will see the Sharks wear Lanx footwear en-route to games and during public appearances, a Shark fin was etched into the heels.

Marco said: “Our shoes are based on classic designs with a northern twist and our heritage is really important to us, which is why we’re so excited to partner with a club like Sale Sharks.

“With our shoes, we have fused overseas flair with solid British tradition, so having some of Sale’s international players showcase them this season is really exciting.

“We’re also excited to be involved in their business club and look forward to building stronger links with other brands and people that share our passion for style.

“The new formal footwear has been made with some of the finest leather. On the inner sole and on the bottom of the shoe, the Sale Sharks badge has been embossed into the leather alongside the Lanx logo, and a Sharks fin has also been etched into the leather of the heel.”

One major chance to show off their wares will come this Saturday when they host a pop-up shop at the Sharks’ home, the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, ahead of their clash with Northampton Saints.

Mark Cueto, the Sharks’ commercial director and a former player, himself, added: “It’s fantastic to have a new partner on board in Lanx – an outstanding footwear brand based just down the road from us.

“The players and staff will get to show off some of the finest English shoes through this partnership and we’re proud to welcome another leading North West business into the Sharks family.

“As a player looking and feeling your best helps you to excel on the pitch. It breeds confidence and inspires professionalism, so as well as being a great partner for the club, companies like Lanx can also play an important role in helping the lads on the pitch.”

Marco also staged pop-ups in Wilmslow, Spinningfield and Salvage House in Whalley last weekend.