United snap up former Linfield striker Tipton

The Welshman becomes Glenn Ferguson’s first summer signing, following his release from Linfield.

“We are delighted to get someone of Matthew’s ability and proven goal scoring record,” said Ferguson.

“Having spoken to him at length, he is really up for a fresh challenge and will add a new dimension to the team.”

Tipton Tweeted: “Really looking forward to working with Spike & all the team.”

The signing is a boost for Ferguson who had previously admitted it will be “very difficult” to attract quality players within the club’s wage budget.

The Sky Blues boss says the Showgrounds club cannot compete with wages offered by other clubs in the chase for new recruits.

“Going by the players I have already spoken to, it will be very difficult for us to sign the type of players we want to move the club forward,” Ferguson told Times Sport.

“I will be meeting with the Board this week to see if there’s anything that can be done to improve that situation.

“I met with Michael Gault last week and he has already been made a very good offer by another club.

“Some of the players I had spoken to, who have already changed clubs, have done so on deals we couldn’t manage within our wage budget.”

Ferguson has already begun his rebuilding for next season by releasing strikers Michael McLellan and James McCabe.

He has re-signed veteran defender Davy Munster and midfield trio Gavin Taggart, Alan Davidson and Neal Gawley.

Defender Michael Ruddy and strikers Neil Lowry and Mark Kelly are currently considering contract offers made to them.

Dublin-based goalkeeper Aaron Shanahan won’t be retained with regular number one Dwayne Nelson due to be fit for the start of pre-season, while Ferguson will also assess back-up Stuart Addis’ fitness following the finger injury which ended his season in December.