New additions at Nantwich Town

Kirby stepped away from the game in 2019 at the age of 25 due to persistent injury problems.

Before then, he had made over 150 league appearances across six years at Tranmere Rovers and two years at Stockport County.

Kirby also worked under now-Nantwich boss Paul Carden during his time at Warrington Town.

He made his return in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Prescot Cables as the Dabbers were forced to settle for a point, having won their last four matches at home in all competitions.

On the potential of his newest addition, Carden said: “Jake had a couple of injuries at Stockport. I had him on loan at Warrington as I knew him from Tranmere.

"He’s a real diamond of a lad with quality and intelligence on the pitch and will give us a real composed option among the frontline.

“I think he’s realised that being out of the game, your career’s short if you’ve got one.

"He’s been training with us for over a month, you knew it was just going to be a matter of time before he found his level. We’re delighted to have him and for him to be playing again."

The club have also announced the return of Altrincham defender Sean Lawton on dual-registration.

The full-back made 26 appearances for the club last season during a successful spell on loan from Crewe Alexandra.

He left Crewe in the summer and subsequently joined National League side Altrincham.

Lawton is a welcome addition following the recent injury which has kept Perry Bircumshaw out of action since their FA Trophy penalty shoot-out victory against Bradford Park Avenue on 7 October.

“He’s obviously known in the dressing room and to the fans, they’ll know what qualities he brings," Carden added.

"He’ll give us that balance again with Perry’s injury. We want to give Perry the time to get that right, as he’s the kind of player who’ll play with a knock.

"Sean comes into that position and he’s someone who’s been on the radar for some time.”

Photo credit: Jonathan White