MORTON have signed a new goalkeeper and added a new coach to their backroom staff.

David Hopkin has today snapped up 23-year-old Sam Ramsbottom, who was last playing part-time with English non-league outfit Alfreton Town.

Ramsbottom has signed a one-year deal at Cappielow.

He will compete with Brendan Pearson for the number one slot following the recent departure of Derek Gaston.

News of the deal comes just after the club announced the arrival of new 'keeper coach Dave Timmins, who will replace long-serving club stalwart David Wylie.

Timmins, 48, who joins up after a second spell with Blackpool has also had stints at Port Vale and coaching in Sweden.

Morton say he has 'extensive experience working with shot-stoppers at clubs down south including Shrewsbury Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Preston North End and Carlisle United'.

Manager Hopkin, pictured, says the new recruit will combine his primary duties with a recruitment and scouting role.

The Ton boss told the club website: “Dave is a fantastic goalkeeping coach.

"He’s methodical in what he does and has been a goalkeeping coach for over 1,100 games, so has a wealth of experience in English football.

“We got to know each other through Tony Caig.

"I took Tony to Livingston – he’s a fantastic goalkeeping coach who has done wonders with Liam Kelly there – and he knew Dave well.

“They were good friends, had worked together, and he put us onto each other.

"We met, had a chat, and both liked the idea of working together and it has taken off from there.

“I was going to take him to Bradford before I decided to resign there.

"He was at Blackpool last season and had other offers, but when I got the job here, he was very keen to come and join us, so I’m delighted that he’s here.

“Our goalkeepers will benefit from working with him, and that includes the younger goalkeepers in the academy because he’s interested in working on that side as well.

“He also has an expertise in recruitment, knows a lot of people in football, and will combine the goalkeeping role with scouting.

"He knows the market and doesn’t go to games where we can’t afford players.

"He has a successful track record of finding players and making them better.

“We need to tap into that, because we have to be stringent in what we want to do.

"It’s not about finances coming here, it’s about getting the opportunity to come and play.

"It’s a fantastic network of contacts to have.”

Meanwhile Ton have paid tribute to departing 'keeper coach Wylie, saying: "We thank David for the contribution made during his many years of distinguished service at Cappielow and wish him the very best for the future."