Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have completed the double swoop of defenders Graham Williams and Rhys Groves.

Williams signs from West Allotment Celtic, where he was pivotal to their mid-table finish in their first season in the Northern League’s top flight.

The vastly experienced 31-year old, who has played in the Southern League at Step 4, also played an important role for the Army First Team.

Groves, 23, has signed from Heaton Stannington. The left-footed centre half played his part in Heaton’s promotion to the First Division last term and adds even more quality and competition to the squad ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The double swoop means Albion’s summer signings has reached five following the earlier captures of Jack Cooper, Peter Ravenhill and Damien Stevens. [First Team Squad]

Daniel Iredale’s side, who have been training in preparation for the new season, begin their pre-season friendly schedule at Alnwick Town on Saturday.

The new Ebac Northern League Division 2 campaign kicks off on July 30 with Albion visiting Easington Colliery on the opening day.