Player of the year Kennedy leaves Matlock Town

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has spent four seasons at the Autoworld Arena but has opted to return to the club where he enjoyed two previous spells.

Kennedy said: “Worksop boss Mark Shaw outlined his plans, what he wanted from me and the kind of football they play and there wasn’t a choice really, I jumped at the chance.

“I was at Worksop when I made a name for myself and got the move to Sunderland.

“And even though the second time didn’t end how I might have liked, it’s always been a club I have good memories of.”

Kennedy played over 200 times for Matlock but said: “As a footballer, you need to know when it’s time to move on. I’ve enjoyed my time there, there’s no bad blood, it was a footballing decision.

“I’m coming towards the end of my career but I’m not too old just yet.”