DEFENDER Joe Tait has returned to Spennymoor Town following his release from York City.

Tait was one of 13 players to be let go by York manager Steve Watson following the club's Vanarama National League North play-off semi-final defeat to Altrincham in July.

The 30-year-old joined York from Spennymoor in 2018 having previously been with the North East club since 2014.

Tait told Moors TV: “I’m delighted to be back at Spennymoor. The move happened very quickly, but after speaking to the management team I knew that I wanted to return and finish the job that we started in 2014.

“I think I have developed as a player and a person over the last two years at York City after deciding to go full-time. Reflecting on my time at Bootham Crescent, we ultimately failed as we should have got promoted.

“To captain a club of York’s stature is something I am immensely proud of and I can’t thank the club enough for what they did for me.

“There were offers from other clubs which would have allowed me to continue full-time, but as soon as I heard Spennymoor were interested and open to talk I told the manager I would happily walk back.

“I think me and the club have unfinished business and I am coming back to right the wrong’s during the end of my first spell at the club.

“I had some great times during my time at the club previously, but I am now here to prove people wrong and prove to the management team that they were right in bringing me back.

“The dynamic of the dressing room has completely shifted, with the intensity and player mindset completely different to what it was previously.

“It’s been great to get back in the dressing room with a lot of lads I class as friends, but I think everyone is aware of the task at hand and I need to come in and prove myself."