Ex-Everton keeper Mason Springthorpe signs for Ellesmere Rangers

Shrewsbury-born Springthorpe was on the substitutes' bench for Everton in the Premier League last season and played regularly for the Goodison Park club's under-21 team before being released by Roberto Martinez in May.

Springthorpe, who joined Everton from Shrewsbury Town for a six-figure fee, had trials with several clubs this summer but has now opted to play for Ellesmere, who will not stand in his way should the keeper attract interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid.

Dan Stevens, Ellesmere's new manager having stepped up from successfully running the club's youth team, said he was delighted to have enticed Springthorpe to Beech Grove.

"Mason just wants to get playing again and enjoy himself," said Stevens.

"He's played the last couple of friendlies for us after having trials with the likes of Walsall, Kidderminster and Wrexham over the summer.

"There's been interest from other clubs but Mason knows a couple of lads already at the club and we're really pleased to have him here."

Springthorpe is the headline capture made by Stevens, whose team kick off the new season at home to Bewdley on Saturday, but he's been pleased with the quality of players he's managed to bring in to supplement the host of exciting youngsters at the club.

Defenders Aaron Sims and Ollie Beaman have come on board from The New Saints, Matt Turner has returned from St Martins, and wide player Mike Jordan has arrived from Harrogate Railway.