Joe Connor has rejoined Pickering Town after almost three seasons away from Mill Lane.

And the 28-year-old midfielder has immediately set his sights on promotion from the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Scarborough-based Connor originally left Pickering in 2005 for Bridlington Town before joining Selby Town shortly after.

After a successful spell with the Robins, Pikes boss Mark Wood has tempted Connor back to Mill Lane to bolster his side ahead of the new campaign.

Connor said: "I have been talking to Woody for a few weeks now, and with me moving back to work in Scarborough I decided that it would be the perfect time to rejoin Pickering.

"Four teams have gone up from the Northern Counties League last season and the Unibond League will be taking another three or so next year due to the re-organisation of the non-league structure, so there is a great chance for us to push on up there.

"In fact, I'm expecting both Pickering and Selby Town to run away with it next year. Hopefully we'll be a UniBond side in the not too distant future.

"The chairman Tony Dunning is looking for the club to progress and plans are in place should we gain promotion to the UniBond.

"If you look at the players at Pickering then you have to feel confident. People like front-man Ricky Greening, midfielder Dean MacAuley, striker Liam Salt and forward Mark Swales are great lads, who will push the club forward.

"I had six great seasons at Pickering before and I'm looking to continue where I left off."