Jak Hickman, right, is staying at Halesowen
Midfielder Olly Dyson, 24, has joined Spennymoor Town on a permanent deal from York City. He made 45 appearances for Spennymoor last season while on loan, impressing with his composure and creativity in midfield.
A product of York’s academy, Dyson said he’s excited to return and help the club push for promotion in the 2025/26 campaign. Manager Graham Fenton praised his intelligence on the ball and consistency across the season.
South Shields have completed the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Caden Kelly after his contract expired. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Darlington, where he made a strong impression with six goals in 28 National League North appearances.
He becomes the latest addition to Ian Watson’s squad as the Mariners build for the new campaign. Kelly began his career at Manchester City, spending a decade in their youth system before a short spell with Salford City. He joined Sunderland in 2021 and signed pro terms in July 2022.
Former Hereford loanee Jak Hickman is staying at step three Halesowen. He made a handful of appearances for the Bulls on loan from Coventry City in 2019 before being released and joining clubs including Bolton Wanderers, King's Lynn Town and Banbury United.
The 26-year-old wing back has been with the Yeltz since March 2023, now nearing 100 appearances, with boss Russ Penn complimenting his consistent season. He has been joined at Halesowen by fellow former Bulls Jamie Willets, Kyle Finn and Jason Cowley.
Kevin Roberts has signed a new one-year deal to remain Chester in a player/physio role. The versatile defender featured on 36 occasions in the National League North last term and started in all of the Blues’ play-off encounters.
A mainstay at right-back throughout the second half of the campaign, the 35-year-old appeared in all but one of the club's fixtures since the New Year’s Day clash with Southport. Roberts has made 211 appearances for the reformed club, the joint second most in the club's history alongside Declan Weeks.