FORMER Bolton Wanderers full-back Nicky Spooner has signed a two year deal with Leigh RMI.

He was a promising youngster who had worked his way through the ranks when he broke a leg at Burnley and was unable to fulfill his true potential.

Spooner was released by Wanderers in February 1999 and at that time was their longest serving player. He moved to the States and joined Charleston Battery.

Leigh snapped him up before Christmas on a temporary basis when they discovered he was back in the country but he has since taken up a teaching post and decided to sign on permanently for the Nationwide Conference outfit.

Manager Steve Waywell was delighted Spooner will be staying at Hilton Park.

"It is a big bonus for us," he said. "Nicky is a quality player and a local lad who still has a tremendous appetite for the game.

"He has a good brain and uses it well. He doesn't take risks, plays it simple and that is what you have to do. He is not flashy but produces great balls for Ian Monk and Tony Black."