REDDITCH United have signed four new players ahead of the 2023/24 season opener as manager Matt Clarke continues to add to his squad.
Musa Ceesay, Jamie Melbourne, AJ George and Johnny Johnston have all completed moves to the Valley Stadium club.
Ceesay is a left-sided player who displayed his versatility during pre-season after playing at both centre-back and in midfield.
Clarke said: “We had Musa last year [in pre-season] but we didn’t take him. He’s come back this year much fitter and has done really well during pre-season.
“He’s a good size, strong, quick, technically very good and left footed so he gives us that bit of balance at the back. We’re excited to welcome Musa to the group.”
Young full-back Melbourne is another player who impressed during pre-season with the 20-year-old previously at West Bromwich Albion before signing a scholarship with Stoke City in 2019.
Clarke added: “I’ve been aware of Jamie for a while through his agent. Good pedigree with West Brom and Stoke but he’s suffered a little bit with injuries, he went to Alvechurch but didn’t get any game time.
“He’s come into the building in the last three weeks and he’s been outstanding. He’s a really talented lad; he’s a good size, quick, very technically gifted and we’re really excited about working with Jamie.”
And 26-year-old attacking midfielder George made his EFL debut with Oxford United in 2015/16 before featuring for Chippenham Town, Oxford City, AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Tamworth and North Leigh.
Clarke said: “I’ve been a long time admirer of AJ. He brings quality to the group but also very good experience.
“AJ has an excellent pedigree having played higher and played in teams that compete at the top end of the table, which is key to helping improve us.”
George has won two caps for Antigua and Barbuda, scoring in a 2-1 win against Aruba on his international debut in a 2017 Caribbean Cup qualifier.
Teenage forward Johnston signed professional terms with Blackpool at the age of 17 after scoring against Manchester United, Salford City and Accrington Stanley during a trial period with the Seasiders.
The 19-year-old can play both centrally and out wide and will add another dimension to the Reds attack.
Clarke added: “JJ came into the building before the Lye game and did ever so well, got himself a goal and he’s really lit the place up to be honest with his short 45 minute cameos.
“He’s got a lot of potential, he’s very quick and dynamic and we’ve got really big hopes for JJ over the next 12 months.
“He’s somebody that has got so much explosive pace, he can really cause teams a lot of problems and he works really hard. He’s a young lad who really wants to improve and kick on with his career.”
