MANAGER Tony Hesketh has set his stall out for Kendal Town's campaign in the new look UniBond League First Division with a clutch of high-profile signings.

Heading the list is experienced striker Lee Ashcroft whose transfers have totalled in excess of £1.5 million.

The Preston-born 31-year-old striker made 200 Football League appearances and had two spells with Preston North End, who paid £500,000 for him second time around. He also played for West Bromwich Albion, then Grimsby and Wigan Athletic.

A year ago he moved as a player/coach to Southport where Hesketh was caretaker manager.

"We forged a good relationship and I am delighted that he has chosen to come to Kendal in preference to other full-time offers," said Hesketh.

"He is keen to get in to management, but he still has three or four years football left in him and I consider him to be the finest striker at non-league level."

Another ex-Football League capture is midfielder Ricky Mercer, 22, who also had a spell at Preston North End.

For three seasons he has been with Lancaster City, where Hesketh was manager for much of the time.

"He went to Lancaster as a centre-half and is now a hard-tackling midfielder who knows what I want," said Hesketh.

New goalkeeper Mark Thornley is also no stranger to Hesketh.

He played over 400 games for Lancaster City and was considered to be one of best keepers in the UniBond League.

"Mark will coach our current first team keeper Lee Ward and Andy Davis, who played for us in the last match of last season and it will be up to Mark to show that he is still number one," explained Hesketh.

Hesketh has also been trying to sign former Barrow star Kenny Mayers, but the 33-year-old who plays up front or in midfield is also being courted by Bamber Bridge, who won promotion to the UniBond Premier Division last term.

Meanwhile, Town have set up an attractive pre-season series of friendlies to blend the newcomers in to the club. On Saturday, July 10 Carlisle United visit Parkside (2pm kick-off). Gretna are set to come on Wednesday, July 22, (7.30pm), and Morecambe on Thursday, August 5 (7.45pm).

Town have an away match with Bamber Bridge on August 14 and secretary Craig Campbell said that attempts were being made to arrange matches with Wigan and Blackpool.