News

The 22-year-old shot stopper impressed during a loan spell last season after keeping 6 clean sheets in 14 appearances when brought in to cover the back injury sustained by Dale Belford in October of last year.

Norton has held talks with a number of goalkeepers as well as Saxby in recent weeks but had hinted that the former Alfreton Town man was always his preferred choice. Saxby was released from the Impact Arena at the end of last season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Eastwood Town and Belper Town, amongst others but the Mansfield based player plumped for a return to the Moat Ground.

The Moat boss said: "Gavin signing for us is great news and we are delighted that he has chosen to do so. He had a few clubs to choose from and in fact two clubs had offered him better terms. Many players would have gone elsewhere for a better deal but he said that his heart was set on joining Gresley and was really looking forward to the new season. That type of attitude is quite rare these days and it's very refreshing when it happens. It's an indication of the type of player we are getting."

He continued: "Its always difficult choosing a goalkeeper because it's the one specialist position in the team and there are many elements to consider. Gavin proved during his loan spell here not only that he's a good keeper but also just how professional he is in all aspects of his game both on and off the pitch. He settled in well at the Club during his 3 months with us and quickly grew to love the Club and our supporters. There are certain aspects of his game I want to see develop over the coming months and we briefly discussed that during our most recent meeting. I want him to work during pre-season on a couple of things in particular but at this level of the game it's the same with most goalkeepers. Fundamentally, we know that with Gavin we are getting an excellent young keeper who wants to improve further and do well for the club.

"The signing of Gavin is by no means a guarantee that he will start our first game of the new season. We need to ensure we keep him on his toes and for that to happen he has to have competition for his place just as with any other position in the team and he fully understands that. We have an excellent young prospect at the club in James Pemberton who, we hope will be pushing Gavin all the way for the shirt and there may also be at least one other goalkeeper with us during pre-season on a trial basis.

"However, knowing just how professional and determined Gavin is I'm quite sure he will relish the challenge of others to establish himself at Gresley and make sure it's him who is lining up as our number one come August 20th."