Payne arrives from Stalybridge Celtic, who finished third in Blue Square North last season, while Barras follows his boss from Witton Albion where he skippered the side last season.

And Vince is delighted to have secured the services of two players with more than 700 Football League appearances behind them.

"Steve is a great signing," said Vince. "He is Conference North standard and, from the vocal disappointment that he has left the club, was one of Stalybridge's better players last season.

"He is a winner and his signing sends out a message about the calibre of player we want to be involved at the club.

"When Tony left Macclesfield I was fortunate to take him to Witton.

"He has played with me for the last two seasons and has been fantastic for me.

"He is so calm and collected under pressure."

Payne, a 32-year-old from Castleford, started his career with Macclesfield where he returned after making more than 150 appearances for Chesterfield.

Barras, 37, played for nine clubs in the Football League including York City, for whom he appeared more than 200 times, and Walsall where he notched a century of appearances.

He also played for Plymouth, Reading, Notts County, Hartlepool, Stockport and Rotherham.

His last League club was Macclesfield from where he initially linked up with Vince at Wincham Park.

Vince has confirmed that former Huddersfield Town keeper Phil Senior has agreed a contract with the Halifax.

Senior, the 25-year-old brother of former Shay striker Chris, made more than 50 starts for the Terriers before joining Northwich Victoria.

He has also played with Droylsden, Alfreton and Ilkeston, where Vince's assistant Nigel Jemson was manager last season.

FANS wishing to see the new team in action for the first time at Tamworth on Saturday can book their places on the supporters coach by calling 07707 143094. The cost will be £15 and transport leaves the Shay at noon.