TAMWORTH have signed ex-Manchester United youth team midfielder Joe Riley from AFC Fylde.
The 28-year-old also spent time at Walsall, making over 30 appearances before leaving last year to play National League football in Lancashire.
Riley came through the ranks at Old Trafford and was part of United’s youth squad before graduating to the first team almost a decade ago.
He made his United debut as a substitute in an FA Cup tie at Shrewsbury – and his only start was in the Europa League against Danish side Midtjylland.
Riley is the latest addition to Andy Peaks’ squad – which is currently a mix of new faces and the players who consolidated the Lambs’ place in the National League last season.
Fylde were relegated and Peaks was able to persuade Riley to return to the Midlands.
Riley told Tamworth’s X account: “I didn’t have the best season in terms of the club last year, but I think I played 40-45 games.
“So, for me, it’s keeping that up and playing as many games as I can, hopefully coming in here to have a successful season.
“Tamworth had a great season and weren’t too far from the playoffs, so hopefully this year we can go that little extra yard.
“I’ve spoke to the gaffer a few times now, we’ve been communicating for about three weeks;
“He’s told me that what he’s looking for, a midfield player that can get around the pitch and I think that’s me.
“I like to get on the ball, show a bit of composure and get forward a lot as well, I want to play as a No.8, make those runs in behind and get some goals and an assists.”
