BEST THINGS COME IN THREES FOR KEITH

KEITH BRIGGS says the opportunity of a reunion with old mentor Steve Burr was the driving force behind agreeing to a third spell at Stalybridge Celtic.

The 35-year-old midfielder first joined the relegated National League North side as a player in 2008 under Burr and went on to captain the side for two seasons.

He then returned to manage the club himself between 2013 and 2015 before rejoining Burr at Southport as his number two.

After being sacked by the Sandgrounders, Burr completed his return to Bowerfold in February but failed to prevent the club slipping into the third tier of NonLeague football for the first time in more than a decade.

Now the pair are back together after Briggs agreed to rejoin him on Monday – and the former Norwich City, Stockport and Kidderminster star is delighted to be back.

He said: “I’m very pleased to be back at the club for my third spell. The club

means a lot to me and has always been close to my heart.

“We want to hit the ground running next season and want the supporters to be proud of what we hopefully will achieve this year.

“I’ve worked with Steve in various roles over the course of my career as a player and manager so we have a strong working relationship.

“When he returned to Celtic this was always a possibility, so I am pleased this has worked out.”