Striker Marco Cusani becomes Lancaster City's first summer signing

Lancaster City have announced the signing of experienced Northern Premier League forward Marcus Cusani.

Cusani, 29, is the Dolly Blues’ first summer signing and joins after leaving another NPL Premier Division side in Ashton United, who he made 37 appearances for last season, scoring four goals.

Before his spell at Ashton, he was at Atherton Collieries between 2020 and 2023.

Cusani also had spells at Warrington Town and Ashton Athletic earlier in his career.

“Lancaster is somewhere I’ve always enjoyed going over the last five seasons because of the ground, the fans and usually a good game," said Cusani.

“As an outsider I’ve always been impressed with the togetherness they have and this has no doubt contributed to consistent top half finishes. 

“I can’t wait to get involved properly and play for the fans, the gaffer and rest of the lads, up the Dolly Blues.”

As well as Cusani’s arrival at The Giant Axe, Lancaster City have also announced a number of player retentions in recent days.

Following the announcement that Bailey brothers Sam and Charlie have extended their stays at the club, last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season winner, midfielder Christian Sloan, has also signed on for the 2024/25 campaign.

Fellow midfielder Jamie Mellen has also committed for the season ahead, as have strikers Nic Evangelinos, Tom Kilifin and Dom Lawson, who was the Dolly Blues’ top scorer last season.

Lancaster City’s pre-season fixture schedule begins on July 5 when they play National League side AFC Fylde at The Giant Axe.

On July 13, they host another fifth tier side in Altrincham, who finished in the league’s playoff places last season.

After that, the Festival of Football at Isle of Man FC, involving Lancaster, Chester, Radcliffe and the hosts, takes place from July 19 to July 21.

Away trips to Witton Albion (July 27) and Clitheroe (July 30) are followed up by the visit of League Two outfit Accrington Stanley to The Giant Axe on August 3.

The Northern Premier League season gets under way on August 10, with fixtures set to be announced in mid-July.