PICKERING Town have made their first two signing of the off-season, including former York City star Dave Merris.

The defender began his career at Guiseley before moving to Harrogate Town and then York City, making over a 100 appearances for the two North Yorkshire clubs.

He won the Minstermen's Clubman of the Year award in 2004/05, when the team were in the Conference.

Two more spells at Harrogate and a return to Guiseley followed by stints at Ossett Town and most recently Scarborough Athletic, where he worked with now Pickering manager Steve Roberts.

Roberts said of the 39-year-old: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mez to Pickering Town.

"I worked with him for nearly six years at Scarborough and he brings a wealth of experience to the club.

"He was club captain in Scarborough's promotion season and then moved on to assistant manager.

"He has still got a good couple of seasons left playing, because he is a very fit player who has hardly ever had any injuries.

He will help develop the younger players in the squad, but also add that leadership on the pitch which is vital at any level.

"He will assist in a coaching role but primarily he is here to play football.

"His former club list reads York , Harrogate, Guiseley and Scarborough. That list alone speaks volumes for his quality and professionalism over the years.

"I look forward to working with him again and know he will add so much to Pickering both on and off the pitch".

Pickering have also signed 19-year-old goalkeeper Sam Riches.

He joins from Toolstation Northern Counties East League premier division side Barton Town, having began his career with English Football League club Scunthorpe United.

Riches won Barton's Player of the Season award for the 2017/18 campaign and has had first-team experience at Goole AFC and Grantham Town.

The teenager will replace the departing keeper Harrison Foulkes, who has returned to SkyBet Championship parent club Hull City after the expiration of his loan spell.