Heaton Stannington have re-signed Andy Burn from Blyth Town, subject to league approval.
The 25-year-old left the club in the summer to join Blyth Town after a five-year spell in which he made 223 appearances, 142 of them starts, and scored 22 goals. One of those came in the 2023/24 Northern League play-off final victory over West Auckland Town.
Burn was one of the first signings made by McBride and Dean in 2021. He went on to win two promotions and play in two St. James' Park cup finals, and scored a late winner at Barnsoldwick. He is McBride's first signing since becoming manager.
Burn said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be back. It was a really hard thing to move on in the summer from a club which I've spent nearly all my time at and enjoyed so much, so getting the opportunity to come back was a no brainer for me. I've been with Andy for about seven years now and I know what he's about.
"We want to be challenging up at the top end of the table, and with the people as players and staff we have at the club now there is no reason we can't do that."
McBride said: "I'm delighted to bring Burnsy back to the club. He's somebody who knows the club and the standards within it. He will bring fresh energy on and off the pitch, as well as loads of quality. I'm really pleased he has agreed to come back and continue his journey here."