STEETON manager Roy Mason has once again dipped into the transfer market with the arrival of Sanchez Payne at Marley Stadium.
Payne has quite the backstory, having come through Leeds United's academy to appearing in their first team squad in the Championship, and he is now a local radio presenter, who has also appeared on the BBC and Channel Four.
Payne, who can play on the wing or up front, becomes Mason’s second signing this month following the arrival of Cain Tailford a fortnight ago.
Speaking about the newest face in his squad, Mason said: “I am delighted to bring Sanchez into the club.
“He is a quality player who has played at a higher level for a number of clubs, so I see it as a coup for us that he has decided to sign here.
“Sanchez recently took some time away from the game but wanted to get back into football and was looking for a club.
“Chris Moralee, the manager of Supporting Charities Football Club, pointed myself and Sanchez towards each other so I must thank him for the role he played in getting this deal over the line.
“When I spoke with Sanchez, he wanted to join Steeton for all the right reasons and what he was looking for in terms of a club on and off the field is something that we can offer.
“He will be a huge addition to the side as we head towards the run-in this season.”
A product of the Leeds academy, Sanchez progressed to the first team at Elland Road, including being named a substitute for a number of Championship fixtures, before injuries curtailed his time with the club and he was released aged 20 at the conclusion of the 2013/14 season.
Following his departure from Leeds, the 28-year-old embarked upon a career journey that saw him play for a total of 10 different clubs in the seven years that followed.
Stockport County, Frickley Athletic, Ossett Town, Bradford (Park Avenue), Hyde United, Ossett Albion, Garforth Town, Pickering Town, Goole and Albion Sports were all called home for Payne prior to his decision to take time away from the game during the first half of this season.
He also features for Supporting Charities Football Club, who Steeton hosted earlier this month as they defeated AFC Yorkies 7-1 at Marley Stadium.
Away from the field, Payne is also a prominent figure on local radio and television.
A presenter for both BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Bradford, he has also starred on screen in the first series of BBC Three show Ibiza Dreams, the documentary series 7UP, and on a staple of television in this country in the form of Come Dine With Me on C4.
Payne is not the only recent non-league signing, with Redmond Lee joining NPL East Division side Brighouse Town after two years away from the game.
Elliot Murray has also made his way to Brig, coming in from Mickleover Sports.
Callum Brown has signed for Campion too.
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