AFC Fylde can confirm the signing of forward Gavin Massey following his departure from EFL side Port Vale.

The 31-year-old joins Chris Beech’s side and becomes the club’s 11^th signing of the season.

Massey arrives at Mill Farm with a heap of EFL Experience having played 40 games in the third tier of English Football last season alone. He’s played over 500 games during his career, recording 49 goals and 46 assists.

The winger was one of the first who came through at the Watford-affiliated academy – Harefield Academy, before breaking into the Watford first team in 2010.

After two successful loan spells at Colchester United, he joined the U’s permanently in 2012 before making more than 150 appearances over a four-year period.

Massey then gained more EFL experience at the likes of Wigan Athletic and Leyton Orient. He was part of a very successful Wigan squad which reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, beating the likes of Manchester City, Bournemouth, West Ham and Southampton, as well as winning the League One title – earning promotion to the Championship.

Having only played EFL football during his career barring a brief early loan spell at Wealdstone, Massey arrives at Mill Farm bringing a career full of league experience and leadership skills to the dressing room which could prove beneficial for the Coasters.

Speaking after signing the deal, Massey said: “It feels good to be here. I’ve had conversations for a good few weeks now, I’ve trained today and it’s a good group so I’m excited.

“I started off as a winger and moved around the pitch playing in numerous positions and I’ve played plenty in the EFL so hopefully I can help the group crack on this season.

“I trained today and it’s a young, fiesty and talented group so with my experience, I just want to add quality and experience. The gaffer has been really positive towards me which I haven’t had for a while. After I spoke to him, it became a no-brainer to come here, help the team and get back to enjoying my football.”

Chris Beech added:  “Gavin brings a heap of EFL experience having great success at Colchester and Wigan Athletic and he can play in a variety of positions which provides us with much-needed depth.

“We’re excited to see not only how Gavin performs, but how he impacts the dressing room with his know-how and professionalism on and off the pitch, his game management and his influence on our younger players in crucial parts of their game.”

“He’s added pace, goals and assists wherever he has been throughout his career and it’s a real statement for us to sign someone of this pedigree.”

Everyone welcomes Gavin to the football club and wishes him all the best during his time at Mill Farm.