Reds Move For Priestley

Priestley has penned a two-year deal with the Reds and is the eleventh arrival at the Impact Arena.

Priestley started his career at Accrington Stanley before moving to Colne FC at the age of 18.

The centre-back moved to Hallmark Security League side Barnoldswick Town and then made the switch to Ramsbottom United in 2013.

A move to Bradford Park Avenue followed in 2014 on a two-year deal.

Priestley made sixty-one appearances in just under two years at the Horsfall Stadium, scoring 3 goals, before making the move to Salford in March 2016.

He made nine appearances before the end of the 2015/16 season with the Ammies, scoring twice.

The 2016/17 campaign saw Priestley make forty-one appearances, scoring 3 goals.

Alfreton boss John McDermott was pleased to have secured another strong signing: “He is the perfect signing for us and I’ve been chasing him for a while. He’s an aggressive, powerful centre half and one with plenty of experience.

“He is commanding in the box and ticks all the boxes. He’s a great player to have in the changing room and also a natural left footer which we’ve been after. We have a gem.

“I wanted four centre backs to keep us covered, injuries can deplete squads and we have four excellent centre backs, excellent depth and competition.

“Billy is a winner, he has excellent hunger and it’s the winning mentality that we want, the squad we have are winners and at the back we are a right unit now. We have height and that will help massively in this league. We look very strong.

Priestley was also delighted to have made the switch to the Reds: “I’m delighted to have signed for Alfreton; it’s a great club with great fans. They’ve recruited a lot of new players, it’s very exciting. I had an amazing time at Salford but it’s time for a new challenge now and be a part of a new team.”

“I’m very excited for the new season, we have quality players; the gaffer has done some excellent work. We will improve compared to last year which was disappointing for the team. But with the players we have now, we can be positive; I’m looking forward to the season ahead”.