ECCLESHILL United have re-signed one of their popular promotion winners from big Bradford rivals Albion Sports in Andy Cooper.

The midfielder and former captain helped the Eagles win promotion from Division One of the Northern Counties East League in 2017/18 under Sean Regan, as they won a play-off final against Grimsby Borough.

He then helped them to finish 10th in the Premier Division in 2018/19, before departing to join Knaresborough Town.

He was soon back in Bradford to play for Albion, scoring the winner in their 2-1 victory over Penistone Church last October.

But like his good friend Sam Bradley, he has made the move from Albion back to Eccleshill, and he cannot wait to get going under current boss Lee Elam, in what will hopefully be a normal 2021/22 season.

Speaking to the Eccleshill club website about his goals going forward, Cooper said: “For myself, I just want to try to do my best to help the team and hopefully contribute to a successful season. That’s about it really.

“For Eccleshill I obviously want to see us competing at the top end of the table.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of seasons for all in the NCEL given what’s gone on, I know a few of the lads have been around for those two seasons but it’s been hard to get much consistency within the squad.

“Hopefully we can get that this season and take advantage of the talent within it.”

Talking about returning to old surroundings, he added: “It will be nice to see a few familiar faces.

“I made some good mates around the club during my last spell, and I’m told many are still involved so I’ll look forward to catching up with them again.

“It’s always nice to play on a decent pitch and Eccleshill's is definitely one of the better ones in the league so that’s a bonus.”

Talking about linking back up with central defender Bradley, Cooper laughed: “I think he should be looking forward to playing with me.

“But no, it’s always nice to play with mates, which me and Sam have been for a long time now, before Eccleshill. So other than the fact he gives away two or three corners a game, I’m looking forward to it.”