Marine snap up former Southport midfielder

Bainbridge made 115 appearances for Southport over a three-and-a-half year spell with the Sandgrounders.

He boasts vast experience at National League North level and is a real coup for Neil Young and his squad as they continue their push for promotion.

Bainbridge previously made three appearances for Sunderland’s senior side and turned out for the Black Cats’ youth teams, and those of Everton, Swansea City, Stoke City and Derby County earlier in his career.

The Southport-born player operates mainly in central midfield but has also played on the right and in defence when called upon.

He joins a Marine side currently second in the Northern Premier League table, having leapfrogged the two sides above them last weekend thanks to a 4-0 home win against Bradford Park Avenue, with other results going their way.

Discussing his move to the Marine Travel Arena, the 25-year-old said: "I'm really excited. There's only 10 games to go, but they're doing really well in the league.

"It's good to be here, and I want to push on for the play-offs and hopefully get promotion. When I met Neil [Young] on Tuesday, what he said aligned with what I want really.

"I want to keep progressing as a footballer and as a person off the pitch, and that's the kind of club this is.

"It's a club that's on the up, and it's great to be a part of."

He isn't the first member of his family to feature for the Mariners, with his dad Richard also turning out for the club more than two decades ago.

On his influence, Bainbridge added: "My dad was pushing me to sign when I left Southport.

"He got a few messages from people saying 'Get him to Marine', so when I told my dad, he was buzzing!"

Photo credit: Southport