A strong and imposing frontman, Wharton began his career as a trainee at Stockport County before moving to Rochdale as a teenager, where he made one Football League appearance in 2007.

Ben has since carved out a successful career in non-League, appearing for a number of clubs including Mossley, Northwich Victoria and Warrington Town - featuring in the latter's run to the second round of the FA Cup in 2014/15.

But it is at Radcliffe where Wharton enjoyed his best football, scoring 87 goals in 263 appearances across two spells at Neuven Park, including 24 goals during the promotion winning campaign of 2018/19.

The striker began last season with Runcorn Linnets, before moving to Stalybridge in December 2020 prior to the campaign being curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ben gives us a focal point I feel we have lacked in recent seasons," joint-manager Kev Towey said.

"He has done it consistently at this level over the years and at 31, I believe he is in as good a shape as he's ever been.

"We tried to sign Ben when he left Radcliffe last year as he is a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders and we're delighted to have him."

Welcome to Widnes, Ben!