Whitham, 27, joins the Reds ahead of the 2019/20 season and was the longest-serving member of the Magpies squad, having clocked up 364 appearances, scoring 69 goals.

He joined Chorley from Leigh Genesis in the summer of 2010 and is noted for his touch of elegance to the middle of the park through his technical ability and range of passing.

A loan spell last season at FC United of Manchester in January provided Whitham with valuable minutes after returning to fitness after a short illness, and he made 10 appearances and one as a sub at FC United, scoring 3 goals.

He then returned to Chorley for the final month of the regular 2018/19 season where he was mainly used off the bench throughout the campaign, making 4 starts and 15 sub appearances last season for the National League North play-off winners, scoring once.

Manager Billy Heath told http://www.alfretontownfc.com: “We are delighted to have Dale join us, Chorley offered him a deal at the end of the season and we are thrilled he opted to move to the Impact Arena. Dale is a very mobile player, an engine in midfield and has lots of experience at this level.

“Dale is a big signing for us, he played a big part in Chorley’s two play-off campaigns and has been a massive staple for them during his time there. He is an excellent character and that’s what we are bringing to the club this season. His energy, work rate and desire is very important”.