Dixon left Jammy Green in 2001 after his job with Barclays Bank took him to London and he moved to the capital, but he has now earned a promotion to a post in the Manchester area and has returned north.

And as soon as the move was confirmed, Dixon indicated that he wanted to rejoin his former club to help their push for promotion from Division Three of the Airedale & Wharfedale League, and club president Andrew Smith said he was delighted to welcome him back.

"He may miss the odd early game due to work commitments and the house move, but we are very pleased to have him back on board," said Smith.

"His quality and experience will be invaluable and I was absolutely delighted to get the call confirming that he was keen to rejoin us."

Dixon has a wealth of experience and quality and while in the south played more than 120 games for Malden Wanderers in the high quality Surrey Championship, and it is hoped he will assist in developing the talent of an emerging young side.

Illingworth having recently confirmed the recruitment of South African off spinner Pieter Venter as overseas man, Niall Lockley has come in from Barkisland and Chris Bishop from fellow Huddersfield League side Golcar.

And with all of last season's squad available bar Mark Fellows who is intending to move out of the country, the club have much greater strength in depth than last term and are confident of launching a serious promotion push.