Transfer: Vinny Bailey is back

Atherton Collieries Football Club are delighted to announce that they have secured the transfer of midfielder Vinny Bailey from Marine. He returns to the club where he had enjoyed two seasons before departing in the summer. Prior to that he had played for Chorley and had enjoyed a long spell playing in the USA. The Southport based midfielder has been an ever-present in the Marine side which had a fantastic run in this seasons FA Trophy competition; beating the likes of FC United and Chorley. He made his first debut for Colls in February 2016 and went on to make 50 appearances for the black and white stripes, scoring four goals in the process. During pre-season, Bailey decided to take the opportunity of playing a division higher. With 35 appearances and three goals under his belt this campaign, Bailey will join the Colls squad in time for this weekend's fixture at Colwyn Bay. "We have really missed Vinny this season," conceded first team manager Michael Clegg. "From the very start we missed him and we've really struggled at times to get a settled line up as we've been so unfortunate with injuries. Recently we have lost Gareth Peet (ankle fracture) and Seb Julien (knee) long term, so it was important we brought another body in." "Everybody at this football club knows exactly what Vinny possesses. He can create goals as well as score them, his levels of fitness are high and more importantly he is a very popular lad here," Clegg went on to explain. Speaking further on the popularity of the midfielder, the manager said, "Not many former players get a reception at Colls when they come back to face us. Vinny received a great one when he played against us in the Trophy for Marine; so I'd like to thank the fans for this one as it definitely played a huge part in his decision to come back."