SHRIMPS’ boss Jim Bentley has added two players to his squad.
Bentley has brought in former Hartlepool striker Rhys Oates and ex Grimsby defender Zak Mills as he begins to rebuild his squad for the new season. Both players will join the club on July 1.
Oates, who has signed a two year deal, is a player Bentley has admired for some time.
Having previously represented Barnsley, Grimsby and Chester, Oates joined the Pools in 2016 and went to make 109 appearances for the club while netting 15 goals.
His last goal for the club proved to be the winner on the final day of last season as his backheel helped Hartlepool to a 2-1 win at promoted Tranmere Rovers.
Bentley said: “Rhys is a player we’ve always liked and has great potential.
“We’ve tried to sign him permanently or on loan in the past once Hartlepool were relegated. He’s whole hearted, works hard, a good athlete and has decent pace and technical ability. He can play anywhere in the forward positions and he’s always impressed us when we’ve seen him play. I’m sure if Rhys gets going and plays with confidence he will do very well.
“We’re looking forward to working with him.’’
Mills, 26, joins on a one year contract after making more than 50 appearances for Grimsby over the past two season.
Bentley said: “Zak has a non league back ground and is very hungry and focused.
“Again, like Rhys, he is a player we’ve always been impressed with in the past when we’ve seen him play or played against us.
“He’s a good athlete, decent defender and has a couple of years experience playing at league 2. He is a right back but we’ve actually seen him play left back and centre midfield which always helps.
“We see him as a player who can get even better and hopefully he’ll do that whilst with MFC.‘’