RETURN OF THE KING

The late transfer was completed before the window closed on Friday after Kingsberry negotiated his release from the Championship 1 pace setters.

The former Lisburn Distillery and Linfield midfielder alerted Banbridge Town boss Ronnie Haughey to his release - and they were straight on the ball to secure his signature.

For Kingsberry it was all about playing football.

“I had a conversation with the Ards manager, Niall Currie, on Tuesday after I had been on the bench for their game against Linfield on Monday night in the Irn Bru League Cup,” he told the Leader.

“Basically he felt that I might be in and out of the team more than I would like and he didn’t think I would be happy sitting on the bench, so if I wanted I could go and talk to other teams.

“I thanked him for his honesty and as soon as Banbridge Town said they were interested in me playing for them again I had no hesitation in rejoining the club.”

Kingsberry made his second coming for the Crystal Park side in the 6-2 win over Portstewart on Saturday (report - P47).

He said he was impressed by his new team-mates and added that he could already see a marked improvement on last year’s squad.

“We played some good football on Saturday and some of the kids have made a real improvement since this time last year - albeit we are now playing in a lower division.

“I don’t see any reason why Banbridge can’t be challenging for promotion back up to Championship 1 this season. If we go on a run of picking up a few wins I don’t see why not.

“If we are in the top six by Christmastime then I think we will be in with a shout.”

The former Manchester United youngster said that the style of play that Town boss Ronnie Haughey plays suits him down to the ground.

“One of the main reasons why I rejoined the Town is because of the way they play. I enjoyed the freedom that I was allowed to have every week and Ronnie wasn’t afraid to stick me up front as well which I enjoyed.

“Banbridge Town is a great club. They are well run and I hope that is reflected in the results we pick up this season.”