Alex Newby signs two-year contract with Rochdale AFC

Alex Newby

Chorley midfielder Alex Newby has become Brian Barry-Murphy’s first summer recruit. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club.

Newby started his senior career at his hometown team Barrow-in-Furness in 2014 and spent two seasons there. A move to Clitheroe followed, before he joined Chorley in February 2018.

He played 94 games for Chorley during his time at the club and was part of the team that won promotion to the National League in 2019. He picked up the Goal of the Season award in all three of his campaigns there.

“Playing in the Football League has been my goal since the start [of my playing career], so I’m delighted that it has materialised,” said Newby.

“This move has been a long time coming due to what has gone on with the Coronavirus, so I’m delighted to get it wrapped up and sorted.

“I’ve had my heart set on coming here for a long time. I spoke to Brian [Barry-Murphy] and Lee [Riley] back in March and it has just been a waiting game since then.

“I know Lee - I’ve worked with him the past. He was a coach with the Youth Team at Morecambe when I was a scholar there. Brian sold the club to me, but it didn’t take much selling, because I wanted to come here. He is the type of manager that I want to work with, and I can’t wait to do that.”