Manager Peter Murphy has made his first two summer signings at Annan Athletic, bringing in defender Matty Douglas and goalkeeper Aaran Taylor from Workington Reds.

Douglas, 21, has spent the last three years at Borough Park while experienced 32-year-old Taylor counts Barrow and defunct Celtic Nation, as well as Reds, among his former clubs.

Taylor replaces shot-stopper Alex Mitchell who has re-signed for Workington Reds as the west Cumbrians look to return to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League at the first attempt.

“Aaran is a player I have known for years and played with before. He brings a wealth of experience and performs at a excellent level week in, week out,” said 38-year-old Murphy, Carlisle United’s record outfield appearance-maker.

"I would also like to mention Alex Mitchell who has been an excellent servant to the club who has not been offered a contract due to a change in his personal commitments."

Douglas, meanwhile, began his career at Brunton Park but it was at Workington where he got his first taste of regular first-team football.

Capable of playing at full-back or centre-back, he was voted Reds’ Player of the Year at the end of the 2017/18 season.

"I’m delighted to welcome Matty to the club. Matty has played a lot of games for his age, which has seen him develop into an exceptional talent," Murphy told the club website.

"He is a very versatile athlete who has goals in him from defensive positions and from set-pieces."

Strikers Christian Nade and Tommy Muir, midfielder Owen Moxon, along with defenders Peter Watson, Steve Swinglehurst and Ayrton Sonkur, have also agreed to stay at Galabank for their 2019/20 campaign.