National League transfers: Ex-Chesterfield defender among five released and Stockport County sign 'standout player'

Stockport County will be many people’s favourites for promotion and they have made a “real statement of intent” with the signing of 20-goal man John Rooney from champions Barrow, according to manager Jim Gannon.

Rooney, 29, brother of Wayne, has signed a three-year deal at Edgeley Park.

Gannon said: “As a team we needed to add a player with both creativity and attack intent from midfield. In that regard John Rooney is the standout player in the National League for goals from midfield. His record last season was exceptional.”

County have also snapped up former Stevenage striker Alex Reid, 24, on a free transfer. The forward has had previous loan spells at AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham and Redbridge.

Meanwhile, FC Halifax Town have announced their retain list and five players have been told they will not be offered new deals.

Ex-Blues defender Jerome Binnom-Williams, Will Appleyard, Liam Nolan, Josh MacDonald and Jack Redshaw will all leave the Shaymen.

Halifax boss Pete Wild has also transfer-listed Jacob Hanson and Matty Brown, who has been made available after being unable to commit to the club’s new training schedule for next season.

In other news, winger Luke James has signed for Barrow after leaving Hartlepool United and Maidenhead United have snapped up defender Manny Parry, 26.