Ayres deal back on

Ayres has been on trial with the Magpies of late and travelled with the rest of the first-team squad for their recent tour of Devon, where he featured in two matches.

On his way?

And, after Tamworth- previously managed by both Mills, and his assistant Darron Gee- had originally demanded £15,000 (we may still have angry ex-physio's to pay off, remember), the deal looked off.

But the two clubs have now agreed a deal for the 22-year-old, and if Ayres does prove his fitness during an 'extended trial', then he will become Mills' ninth summer signing.

"Lee did very well for us on tour," Mills told the Evening Post. "He is a player with some ability and he has settled in well with the other lads. But it is not his ability that is in question at the moment. We do think he has enough about him to succeed in the game.

"The only question mark is over his fitness. He has taken the step up from non-league and it can be a big one.

"We will continue to have a look at him over the next week or so and see what happens.

"If he picks up enough fitness, if he shows he is up to scratch on that front, things can go further."