Trialist Christian Sloan deserved Lancaster City deal

The midfielder signed on the dotted line for the Dolly Blues last week after spending the summer training at Giant Axe.

Clubs often run the rule over players in pre-season, with many leaving without earning a deal.

However, Sloan will be part of boss Mark Fell’s thinking as City prepare for the new NPL Premier Division season, which begins a week on Saturday away at Stalybridge Celtic.

“Christian’s attitude has been absolute different class,” said Fell.

“I have really enjoyed working with him.

“For the way we play – we want to be intense, high energy – he fits the bill.

“He’s a workhorse in midfield but he’s also got ability as well.

“I think what’s really helped him is being around the players that we have got.

“They have taken him under their wing and he’s at their level, there is no doubt about that, but what I like is he’s honest. He’s a grafter and has got a good understanding of the game.

“He’s only 24-years-old, he’s had a spell at Barrow, as spell at Kendal – I think he’s got the potential to get better.

“He could be one that surprises a few people.”

Having occupied a play-off spot last season before it ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Fell insists his squad is much stronger heading into this campaign.

He has added some real quality and experience in the shape of players like Andy Teague, Paul Dugdale, Rhys Turner, Jacob Gregory and Tom Kilifin, who are sure to complement the existing squad, which has only seen Brad Carsley depart.

“We are in a much better place,” Fell said. “Recruitment-wise, we have added real experience with Teaguey.

“We have added real excitement with Rhys Turner.

“Then we have added players who we can trust and rely on to get the job done. Tom Kilifin, for example, has been fantastic in pre-season.

“He has really staked a claim for a place in the starting XI. He’s looked very sharp and fit.”

This weekend, City welcome National League North outfit Spennymoor Town to Giant Axe for their final pre-season warm-up game.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to see exactly where we are,” said Fell. “It’s a great game for us to play just before the start of the new season.

“We will have to be disciplined and have a good structure.

“If we get something from the game, it’s a great platform. If you don’t then we weren’t expected to anyway.”

Fell revealed midfielder Paul Dawson will not feature and is about a week away from being fit.