This Is Cheshire

EXCLUSIVE: Burns to fire Vics to safety

From the archive, first published Thursday 3rd Jan 2008.

DINO Maamria has added swooped to sign another attacker.

The Vics boss has fought off competition from a host of clubs to capture FC United of Manchester front runner Aaron Burns.

He has signed an 18-month deal at the Marston's Arena.

"This is a huge capture for us," Maamria told the Guardian tonight, Thursday.

"I have been after him from the moment I took over as manager but have been forced to wait for the transfer window.

He has an eye for goal and I'm convinced he will get a hatful for us."

Burns was released by the Rebels this week and becomes the fourth attacker to sign for the Blue Square Premier club this week.

He scored eight goals in 14 appearances since signing for the UniBond Division One North promotion chasers from Cardiff City in October. He has been unable to play for a club at a higher level until the transfer window opened on New Year's Day.

Burns, 20, has been training with Northwich for the past fortnight and also had a trial for the club when Paul Warhurst was in temporary charge back in September.

"Paul decided not to take a chance on him," added Maamria.

"But I was desperate to get his number from day one and am delighted to have him here at last."

Burns arrival means that Maamria can field a totally re-modelled strike force for the visit of league leaders Aldershot Town on Saturday.

Keith Barker, Cayne Hanley and Joel Byrom are all available for selection along with Huddersfield Town loanee Lucas Akins.

Injured pair Lee Steele and Jake Speight are both definitely out.

"We would like to thank Aaron for his endeavours and wish him all the best in the future," FC United boss Karl Marginson told the club's official website.