Co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey have stepped up their summer recruitment this week with the duo becoming Widnes' third and fourth new additions ahead of the upcoming Evo-Stik League season, joining Josh Klein-Davies and Lewis Buckley.

Defender Heathcote (pictured) is an imposing centre-half who arrives from North West Counties Division One South side Wythenshawe Town.

The 21-year-old began his career as a junior at Manchester United before moving on to Altrincham, making 51 appearances at Moss Lane.

Sam has since turned out in the Evo-Stik League for Hyde United, Trafford and Ramsbottom United – scoring 11 goals in 29 games for the latter as a makeshift striker in the 2017-18 season.

Defender Shaw arrives from Marine following their relegation from the Evo-Stik Premier Division last season.

The 22-year-old made 46 appearances for the Mariners last season, scoring three goals.

He lists Tranmere Rovers, Airbus UK and Llandudno amongst his former clubs.

Joint manager Towey spoke earlier this month about the need to press on with recruiting new players, and he is pleased to have added both players to the squad.

"Danny has a huge amount of experience having played in both the Welsh Premier League and the Northern Premier League over the past four years.

"He is an exceptional talent with the correct attitude.

"Sam had fallen out of love with the game and dropped down a couple of leagues to start enjoying his football again.

"But he's now very hungry to be a success at this level, and he'll be a very important player for us at both ends of the pitch."