Bunney’s signing was confirmed and he will go straight into the squad for today’s trip to South Shields.

The 27-year-old, who is 6`1” tall, can play in a variety of positions and has considerable Football League experience.

He started out at Lancaster City scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances before joining Kendal Town, scoring 3 times in only 7 games.

Moves to Stockport County and Northwich Victoria followed before in 2013 he joined Rochdale on the back of netting 19 goals in 26 games for the Vics.

He was converted to a defensive position by Dale manager Keith Hill in a five-year stay at Spotland spanning 122 games before moving to Northampton Town.

He then went on loan to Blackpool and returned to Rochdale on loan before playing at Bolton Wanderers last season, being released in the summer.

Phillips told Matlock`s press officer Ian Richardson: “He’s a massive signing for us. When you look at where he’s played, he’ll bring professionalism in with him and also add competition for places. He can play as a centre-forward where we see him operating for us, or as a left-winger or left-back.

“Having played in the League, I know he’s anxious to get back there. He’s recognised what we’re wanting to achieve here he wants to do the best he can for the club and hasn’t come for the money. I’m delighted to have him on board”.

Ian Richardson