Steve Bleasdale has nearly finalised his new Leigh Genesis squad.

The manager has signed Chris Holland, a former England under-21 international, who has played for Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town and was with Southport last season, and Darren Mansaram, a striker with an impressive goalscoring reputation in the Football League and Ireland.

The 24-year-old hit man played for Grimsby Town and Halifax Town before moving over to the Irish Premier League in 2006. He had a spell with Sligo Rovers before starring for Bohemians last season when he scored 10 goals in the process.

Bleasdale said: "Darren is a strong powerful striker, a type of player I know will be a tremendous asset to the club. His scoring ability is just what we will need in this competitive league."

The season will begin with a friendly away match at Atherton Collieries on Tuesday July 15.