Former Blue in Yellow & Green

Michael Ellison has continued his summer rebuild with the capture of former Everton Under 21s defender Ed Jones.

Centre back Ed spent the second half of last season at Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

This followed a long absence from the game due to a serious knee injury.

Ed made his LR debut on January 24th in victory over Cheadle Town and went on to complete 17 appearances, including 10 starts.

Ed also contributed one goal and an ssist while helping LR into the North West Counties League Premier Division play-offs with 10 clean sheets.

They were beaten by eventual winners Padiham in the semi-finals.

Ed departured to seek fresh opportunies, prompting Ello stepping in to secure his services for 2026-27.

The now 21-year-old had progressed through Everton's Academy from the age of 10, signing professional forms in March 2023.

He had by then established himself in the Under 18s side managed by former Everton and England left back Leighton Baines, now assistant to Toffees boss David Moyes.

By the age of 18, Ed had also featured in the Premier League Next Gen Cup in India, impressing with his strength and determination.

However, Ed's time at Everton was affected by injuries and he was released at the end of his contract after 10 Premier League 2 outings in 2023-24.

He had trial spells at West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland but before reviving his career at Atherton LR had been out of football for tbe best part of 18 months with a ruptured ACL.