Avro’s new managerial team Mike Norton and David Birch have made an ambitious statement by making prolific goal scorer Benito Lowe their first signing, writes Rob Currell.

The forward, who played for Bury FC last season will be joining Avro’s attacking formation alongside last campaign’s top goal scorer Kyle Hawley who recently re-committed to the club and Liam Ellis.

Avro’s latest signing was announced on Monday at the Vestacare Stadium and is seen as a huge coup for the side.

Lowe will again join up with managers Mike Norton and David Birch after previously playing for them at New Mills.

He has played for teams including Wythenshawe Town and Curzon Ashton.

The 25-year-old has also been on trials at Sheffield United and Oldham Athletic.

“We are ecstatic that we have Benito’s services for the upcoming season,” said Mike Norton. “Benito has been offered a lot more money to go and play elsewhere but he has come to Avro.

“That just shows the character of the lad because he wants to come back and work with us. We have worked with him before and we know him the best so it makes sense for him to come here.

“He will be a great addition to our team, he scores a lot of goals and hopefully it will get a few more fans through the gate.

“We plan on playing exciting football and Benito fits the bill for us.”

Norton added that Lowe will be playing up front with attacking assets Hawley and Ellis in what should be a solid goal-scoring partnership.

Both Norton and Birch have known Benito since he was a boy having played for Benito’s father Gary when he managed at Curzon Ashton.

Later when Gary left Curzon, he took Birch to Hyde United and appointed him as captain where the team won the Conference North in their first year at the club.

“The biggest influence on my decision was without a doubt, the new management team,” said Lowe. “I’ve known them through my father and I played for them at New Mills — it was actually my dad who told me to sign for them because of the level of respect he had for both men.

“They were the two players he trusted more than anyone.

“I’ve also been told by them both that they learned a lot from my dad and that he was a positive influence on their careers.

“Sadly, not long after I signed to play for New Mills, my dad passed away. It was a difficult time but they both looked after me and were very supportive during a hard time.

“I worked on my fitness and threw myself into my football. Despite the difficulties off the field, I had a good season on the pitch with them and scored 29 goals.

He added: “Coming to Avro FC is a no brainer. I’ve played with a lot of the team at Avro before.

“The club is highly ambitious and they have come a long way. They are heading in the right direction and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”