Jamie Rainford has signed for Gap Connah’s Quay with the ex-Chester FC centre forward declaring himself ready to make an impact in the Welsh Premier League.
Rainford’s scoring feats for Marine earned him a move to the Blues in May 2011, with then manager Neil Young splashing out an undisclosed five-figure fee for the striker.
But he struggled for goals at the Swansway Chester Stadium and was involved in a Facebook spat with fans, with the club cutting its losses and selling him to FC Halifax Town.
Rainford has since had spells at Colwyn Bay, Northwich Victoria, AFC Fylde and Marine, finishing last season with Bootle in the North West Counties League.
But the 26-year-old is now aiming to get his career back on track at the Deeside Stadium.
Rainford said: "I am delighted to have signed for the Nomads.
“From the moment I spoke to the gaffer, he didn't really have to sell the club to me, but once he told me his ideas and ambitions for next season, I knew it was where I wanted to be playing my football.”
Following talks with owner Gary Dewhurst, director of football Mark McGregor has been handed a bigger budget for next season with the club targeting a top-six finish.
Rainford is the first new face to arrive, although midfielder Michael Burns has followed Terry McCormick, Jack Rowlands, Luke Holden and forward Gary O’Toole in agreeing new contracts.
Rainford said: “I'm looking forward to playing attacking football and creating and scoring goals is whetting my appetite.
“I can't wait to get going. It has given me the motivation to make sure I hit the ground running when the new season starts.
“It's exciting times for me at the start of a new footballing chapter with the Nomads.”
Rainford could form a potent partnership with O’Toole, and McGregor is looking forward to seeing his new signing in action.
McGregor said: “I am delighted to have a new and exciting forward here with us and he will add to the fire power we've currently got.”
