Former Walsall favourite Liam Kinsella makes surprise switch to non-league Hednesford Town

Hednesford have described the signing as one of the "most significant" in the club’s history as they continue their push for back-to-back promotions towards the National League North.

Kinsella announced his departure from League Two side Cheltenham Town on Friday. After progressing through the youth ranks, he went on to make more than 200 appearances for Walsall over a nine-year spell.

Speaking after completing the move to Hednesford, Kinsella said: "This is a club that’s clearly on the up and I really wanted to be part of it. I’m excited to be here and to get started.

"I want to work as hard as I possibly can and help take this club as far as we can. Promotion is the short-term goal, but longer term we want to keep pushing and see how far we can go. I’m really looking forward to the challenge."

Kinsella made 26 appearances in all competitions for Cheltenham this season - his last coming away at Oldham Athletic last Saturday. 

The Pitmen have hailed the capture as "one of the most significant signings in the club’s history" and a "statement of intent" as they continue to push forward both on and off the pitch.

Hednesford currently sit second in the Northern Premier League, a point behind leaders Hebburn Town. They secured promotion via the Northern One West play-offs last season.

Boss Gavin Hurren added: "To bring in a player of Liam’s calibre is huge for us. He’s a top professional, a real worker in the middle of the pitch, and someone who will raise standards around the group.“

"He gives us quality, experience and leadership in a key area of the team, and he fits exactly what we want in terms of character and mentality. This is a big signing for the club and one we’re all very excited about."

Hednesford's director of football Andrew Reed said: "I’m absolutely delighted to get this over the line. We’ve worked hard on this one. Liam is a local lad at a great age with tremendous ability and pedigree and it is a real statement of intent.

"For Liam to choose Hednesford at this stage of his career speaks volumes about what we’re building here and the ambition of the club. I can’t wait to see him in a Pitmen shirt."