Mark Beesley expected to complete Skelmersdale United move

Feb 14 2013 by Philip Kirkbride, Skelmersdale Advertiser

SKELMERSDALE UNITED are striking while the iron is hot by swooping for experienced forward Mark Beesley.

Manager Tommy Lawson is expected to complete the deal today and then welcome Josh Hine back to the club next week following his spell at Warrington Town.

Skem went top of the Evo-Stik First Division North on Saturday with a 2-1 win over leaders Mossley and extended their advantage with a 2-0 victory over third placed Trafford on Tuesday night.

United have a four point lead at the summit and have as many as six games in hand on some of their rivals.

Though Lawson was thrilled with his side’s performance in the last two games, he is refusing to sit back and relax.

Accordingly, his move for ex-Football League striker Beesley and the expected return of Hine have served to reinforce Skem’s championship chasing squad.

But with 21 games still left to cram in between now and the end of April, Lawson says it is vital he built a squad strong enough to cope with the demands of the run-in.

“Bringing players of this calibre in to the squad is a statement of intent,” he said.

“This is the time where we can’t sit back and say ‘job done’.

“We may not be finished in our recruitment either and might look to bring in one or two more players.

“We have only played half a season and so this is the final push now.

“And there will come a time when we know we have to play four games in eight days and so it is not possible for the same 11 lads to deal with that.”

Beesley arrives at the West Lancashire College Stadium from Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Nantwich Town.

But the 32 year-old’s list of former clubs makes for impressive reading.

Beesley played in the Football League with Chester City and successful periods in the Conference with Forest Green Rovers and Cambridge United.

Born in Burscough, Beesley enjoyed a spell with his hometown club in the 2011-12 season before moving onto Hednesford Town.

“His arrival has been really well received up here,” said Lawson.

“His football history is to be admired.

“He is really respected as a player and person and we feel Mark will not only be a good addition on the pitch, but also in the dressing room.”