VETERAN midfielder Neil Redfearn has signed for AFC Emley.

The 43-year-old midfielder is currently youth coach at York City but is going to play at the Welfare Ground when time allows for Northern Counties East League Division I action.

It’s a coup for Emley manager Ian Banks, although the Holmfirth-based Redfearn will not be available for tonight’s Welfare Ground friendly against Town (7.00).

“Neil is obviously heavily involved at York and they are in the middle of their pre-season as well, but he’s going to play for us whenever he can,” explained Banks.

“His experience will be very useful, but I’ve been very happy with all the lads in pre-season training because their attitude has been superb.

“The sessions we’ve put on have basically been about coaching rather than fitness, because I expect them to get and maintain their own fitness.

“When we’ve been together it’s been about how we are going to play, that’s what the game against Town is all about tonight.

“Whatever side Town send up, it’s going to be a test, but it’s still an opportunity for us to play when we get the ball and defend as a unit when we haven’t – and that’s what we’ve been working on.”

Banks’ son Oliver, who is on Rotherham’s books, is likely to be in the squad tonight alongside two other youngsters from South Yorkshire, Carl Benson and Andre Gordon (who is only 16).

The squad will also include Sean Hazelden, Matt Illingworth, Steve Kenworthy, Marc Townsend, Tony Leech, Joe Washington, Ash Flynn, Joe Howson and former Ossett Town man Andy Farrell. The club also have a new keeper in Michael Clarke.

Gates will open around 5.30 tonight and it’s £6 for adults, £3 concessions and £1 for 14s and under.

The club’s bar will be open and, on the field, fans will see a return to the traditional Emley colours of claret shirts with blue sleeves, blue shorts and claret socks.

AFC’s next home friendly is against Rotherham United on Tuesday, August 5 (7.30), while this coming Saturday (3.00) they will visit the re-formed Colne club, 20 years on from when the two original clubs met at Wembley in the FA Vase Final.