ANDY BISHOP has secured his number one for next season after bringing in Tyrell Belford on a season’s long loan while also snapping up striker John Cofie.
Belford, the son of ex-Tamworth and Rugby Town boss Dale, started his career as a trainee with Coventry and then Liverpool before signing for Swindon Town in the summer of 2013.
The 22-year-old made his league debut against Leyton Orient in February 2014 and played eight times in League One last season but a groin tear ended his season in April.
Swindon head coach Luke Williams believes first team football is best for Belford’s development and he has been allowed to join Southport for the entire 2016-17 campaign.
Boss Bishop told Southport’s website: “I’m delighted to have signed Ty Belford and I’ve been working on the deal for some time.
“I’ve followed his career since he was at Liverpool and watched his progress at Swindon. Ty has made appearances in League One and fought for the number one spot. I’ve been working hard in this area to find the right man and believe Ty is that person.
“He’s on a season long loan but I see him as our player because there’s no recall clause. I’d like to thank Swindon for all their help getting the deal done.”
Also arriving at Haig Avenue is Ghana-born Cofie, who cost Manchester United a reported £1m as a 14-year-old from Burnley.
After failing to make the breakthrough at Old Trafford, and following loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Sheffield United and Notts County, Cofie had brief stints at Barnsley, Molde, Crawley and Wrexham.
He spent the latter part of last season at National League North side AFC Telford United, scoring four league goals after signing in January.
