JORDAN Gidley, one of the key figures in Barnoldswick Town's run to the final of last season's Macron Cup, has returned to the club.

He is back after spells with Bootle and Charnock Richard after Connor King was recalled by Burnley.

Eighteen-year-old King, an England schoolboy international, proved a popular figure while on a work experience loan at the Silentnight Stadium.

He quickly became a fans favourite and helped the club secure its first-ever win in the FA Cup.

Manager Danny Craig said: “It’s obviously a massive disappointment to lose Connor who had become a valued member of our squad and he will undoubtedly be missed.

"That said, we have to understand that he never actually belonged to us and this day was always going to come.

"It was our job to assist in his development as best we could and I hope we have done that.

"Burnley have plans for him within the club for the rest of the season, I had a chat with them and I understand. I had to think with my head and not my heart.

"I’m proud that we were offered the chance to take him and I hope we have been as good for him as he has been for us. His attitude has been brilliant and he’s been a credit to himself and Burnley.

"He goes with all our best wishes and it will be nice to watch his career progress”

Craig is delighted to have been able to bring Gidley back to the club. “I had a conversation with Jordan and it was agreed that he would return," Craig said.

"Goalkeepers that have proven they are capable of playing at this level are hard to come by but so are clubs that put the development of players high up on their priority list.

"In that sense it’s a good deal for both parties. It fits and the timing is good. I think he just wants to get back playing football and enjoying himself.”