FORMER York City captain and promotion-winner Matty Brown has found himself a new club.

Brown has returned to the club where he played in his earlier years, joining Northern Premier League premier division side Marine.

The central defender joined York in 2020 after a five-year spell with FC Halifax Town, and captained the City side that gained promotion to the Vanarama National League through the play-offs.

Brown was a regular, making 38 appearances throughout the season and contributing two goals as the Minstermen returned to the fifth tier.

The 33-year-old joined AFC Telford United for the 2022/23 season, but was relegated from the Vanarama National League North after finishing bottom of the table.

Marine finished last season in ninth position and shy of the play-offs, with Brown joining the club with hopes of returning to the National League North with his new side.

Manager Neil Young told the Marine media team: “The plan for this season has always been to try and add more experience to the squad and were possible leaders.

Matty ticks all those boxes. He has played for and captained Halifax Town, York City and Telford and has been here before so knows the club well.”

Brown told the club media: “I’ve reached stage of my career where being close to home matters and coming back to Marine was the only real place I wanted to move to.

“After seeing how much the club has moved on since I was last here in terms of the stadium, the pitch and the fans with the attendances going through the roof it was a no-brainer.

“Also having previously worked with Neil I was keen to join up with him again. I was really impressed when I worked with him at Halifax and the proof is in the pudding with what he has done at Marine.

“The club is only going in one direction and I would like to think with the experience I have gained in the game and promotions I’ve won I can bring that bit of experience to a young team.

“I can’t wait to join and after just missing out on play offs last year want to go one better this year. I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into a new challenge and I am buzzing to be back at Marine.”