Liam Marsden returns to AFC Mansfield

The 25-year-old chose to rejoin AFC from rival NCEL Premier Division outfit Liversedge, who were on course for promotion before the outbreak of COVID-19.

Marsden made 85 appearances for the Bulls between 2017 and 2019, playing a key role in their promotion to the Northern Premier League and their run to the NCEL League Cup final.

AFC boss is not getting carried away

Having spent the past year in West Yorkshire, he said he felt it was the right time to come back to the club.

"I'm really pleased to be back," Marsden said. "After speaking to the gaffer and chairman it was a no-brainer for me.

"I really enjoyed my year at Liversedge but the travelling was just too much for me, so when the chairman got in contact about returning to the club it was something that suited me and I couldn’t turn down.

"I'm really looking forward to getting going, it's been a long time since my last game so I can't wait to just get back out on the pitch."

The defender also hopes his promotion experience and last season’s form will be a boost to the squad:

He said: “I’ve been promoted from this league before and was in the top three for most of last season, so I have a good knowledge of the league and I also feel like I know what’s needed to win games at this level.

“I think promotion is something we have to aim for; with the players already at the club and with the players the gaffer has bought in, we have every chance of being in the top three come the end of the season.”

Bulls boss Matt Chatfield also labelled the move a "no-brainer".

"Liam served the club well the last time he was here, and he did a fantastic job last season at Liversidge," he said.

"Once we found out he was available it was a no-brainer, he's just what we need to add more competition to places and to get a more-than-competitive squad for this season.

"I'm absolutely delighted that he's signed."