Busy Southport Bring In Two From Neighbouring Cod Army

Midfielder Elliot Osborne and striker Dion Charles both join from SkyBet League One neighbours Fleetwood Town.

Osborne (pictured), 21, joins the Sandgrounders for an undisclosed fee.

He joined the Cod Army from Nantwich Town in the summer of 2016 having scored 22 goals for the Dabbers in the Evo-Stik League Premier from central midfield.

He’s made just one appearance so far for Fleetwood as well as three appearances during a loan spell with Tranmere Rovers in October 2016, six with Stockport County from January 2017 and earlier this season, played eleven times in League Two for Morecambe.

He began his career as a trainee with Port Vale, spending nine years at Vale Park before joining Nantwich.

Twenty-two-year-old Charles joined the Cod Army in August 2016 from National League side AFC Fylde.

He started his playing career at Blackpool in 2013 before a loan move to AFC Fylde dragged him to the club permanently.

Charles made his Fleetwood debut against Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy in November 2016 before going on loan to FC Halifax Town for the remainder of the 2016/17 season.

He returned to the Shaymen on loan at the start of the season before returning to Highbury on January 5th.