Burton is back for fourth spell

Burton, pictured with manager Sean Hessey and chairman Paul Leary on Wednesday night, could make his return against Whitby Town after putting pen-to-paper on a deal that will keep him at The Marine Travel Arena until at least the end of the current season.

The 24-year-old Skelmersdale-based player turned out for the Mariners previously in two loan spells while at League Two Accrington Stanley, firstly in 2009 when he made 13 appearances and scored twice and then for a short loan in 2011.

Following his release by Stanley in May 2012, he returned for a third spell in August 2012 before moving on to Skelmersdale United at the start of the following season.

In a statement announcing his return, the Mariners also confirmed that winger Jamie Menagh had left the Premier Division club after his contract was cancelled by mutual agreement.

Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “I am really pleased that Alan has agreed to join Marine and this is another great signing for our football club following the recent arrival of striker Danny Mitchley.

"Sean continues to plan ahead and Alan’s arrival at Marine is an important part of those plans to strengthen the squad further. I look forward to Alan returning to Marine again and I hope that he remains and plays a big part in the years ahead. ”

Wishing Menagh well and thanking him for his services, he added: “I would like to thank Jamie Menagh for his part played in our great escape at the end of last season.

"Unfortunately, things have not worked out this season and Jamie and I have agreed that he should move on to another club. I therefore wish Jamie every success in his future playing career wherever that may be.”

Hessey is delighted with the club's latest acquisition who he knows all about from his own playing career.

He said: “I have been an admirer of Alan since our playing days at Accrington Stanley and Phil [Hackney] and I are really glad that he has decided to come to Marine declining other options presented to him.

"He is a creative midfielder who will do a great job for us and I welcome him to the Marine Travel Arena joining the players for this weekend’s home league game against Whitby Town. There is no doubt that he will be a key figure as we strive to bring success to Marine Football Club in this season and hopefully beyond.”

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