NATHAN Astle is to make a shock return to Accrington as professional this summer.

The New Zealand Test star was pro at Thorneyholme Road in 1997 but quit after just a matter of weeks to join Nottinghamshire.

But he is ready to repay what he sees as a debt to the Transco Lancashire League club for leaving them partway through that season.

Accrington chairman Peter Barratt, who clinched the deal with the international all-rounder, revealed: "Nathan rang me a few weeks ago to say that he might be available but I didn't know whether we could afford him and I believe there was at least one other club interested.

"We'd had one or two knockbacks elsewhere but when Nathan contacted me again he said 'I feel I owe it to Accrington to play for them'.

"Obviously, we are absolutely delighted to have him back at the club."

Astle, who opens the batting in one-day internationals and is an effective medium pace bowler, made a good impression at Thorneyholme Road before Notts came on the scene to tempt him into the first class game.

Accrington engaged Peter Sleep for the remainder of that 97 season.

"Nathan only played about eight or nine games for us and we are looking forward to having him here for a full season," added Mr Barratt.

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