News round up

Ryan McLean

Former Hereford winger Ryan McLean has joined Northern Premier League side Matlock Town following his departure from National League North outfit Buxton.

McLean earned an EFL move to AFC Wimbledon in 2023 after impressing at Edgar Street and famously scored a stoppage-time winner on his debut against Coventry City. The 24-year-old also featured at Chelsea in the League Cup and later enjoyed loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers and Yeovil Town before returning to non-league football.

Corey McKeown has left Spennymoor Town to join National League side Hartlepool United, stepping up a division after three years at The Brewery Field.

The winger, who arrived from Blyth Spartans in November 2022, made 166 appearances and scored 16 goals for Moors, with his form late last season earning him the Fans’ Player of the Year award for 2025/26. Moors boss Tommy Miller praised McKeown’s progress and consistency, wishing him well as he takes the next step in his career. The move brings his Spennymoor spell to an end ahead of a return to full-time football.

Merthyr Town have completed the permanent signing of defender Will Spiers from Cardiff City ahead of their second season in National League North.

The right-back, who can also operate as a wing-back, impressed during two loan spells at Penydarren Park last term, making 22 appearances and producing standout displays. A product of Cardiff’s academy, Spiers featured for the Bluebirds’ first team last season and has now committed his future to the Martyrs.

Darlington have signed goalkeeper Bobby Jones on a one-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old joins from Chester and returns to his hometown club after spells with AFC Fylde, Stockport County, Curzon Ashton, Spennymoor Town and Boston United. 

Jones enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign at Curzon, keeping 20 clean sheets as the Nash narrowly missed the play-offs. Assistant manager Terry Mitchell described him as a “top quality goalkeeper” and revealed Jones turned down other opportunities to join the Quakers.