Deano spent four and a half years at Squires Gate in his first spell at the club, scoring 56 goals before departing for Colne in late 2021. Numerous memorable moments included an FA Cup hatrick live on the BBC, a brace in the 6-4 victory over Macclesfield and his 50th Gate Goal in the FA Vase against Garforth.

The striker returned for a brief loan spell in the 2021/22 season, before signing for Longridge Town at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign. Ing netted an impressive 26 goals last season for the NWCFL Premier Division side, and has bagged 14 already this campaign in just 22 appearances.

Desno’s return is a big statement of intent, and paired with the return of Cameron Gourley last week, bolsters the Gate squad ahead of the start of 2024 and a crucial few months for the club.

On his return to The Brian Addison Stadium, Deano said: “I’ve spent 2 years away from the club and it feels good to be back and can’t wait to get going.

“Squires Gate has always been a special place for me. I know the fans, volunteers and people around the club well and myself and my family have always felt welcome here so to return was a no brainer when the opportunity came about. I’ve got numerous memories as a player here already, and it feels good knowing that I can now make many more.

“Since leaving Gate, I feel I’ve certainly become more mature, both as a person and a player. I know my role on the pitch and come to understand what my strengths are and how best to utilise them in order to help the team. I’d like to thank everybody at Longridge for their help and efforts during the time I spent there and I wish the management, players, committee and fans all the best for the future.

“Myself and Luke have always got on like a house on fire. He was the manager that pushed me towards being a striker and I’ve not looked back since. He’s a brilliant manager with knowledge and experience to help me develop even further and lead the team to where they should be. Luke is a key factor for my return to Gate and I can’t wait to work with him again.

“This season, I’d like to kick on now having scored 14 goals already. Now I’m a bit older and wiser, I’d like to help lead the team and educate younger players to help them improve too. We have a good team at Squires Gate and from looking at recent results, there’s no reason why we can’t climb the table and secure a position in the NWCFL prem for another year and give it a proper go next season.

“It’s good to be back #WeAreGate.”

Manager Luke Evans added: “I’m over the moon, buzzing and a little bit shocked if I’m honest.

“It’s no secret how close I am to Deano and it’s always been a long wish of mine to try at some stage to bring him back to the club. The opportunity has presented itself to us this week and I’ve jumped at the chance to bring him back in.

“I feel it’s a great transfer for the club, the team, the fans and I think he will fit into this group perfectly. He is proven quality at this level and for me we are bringing in one of the best strikers at this level of football and he will carry on doing here what he always has, Score goals and win games.

“Dean has Squires Gate running through his veins and it means everything to him to take this club forward and that is hard to find. I will always do the best for this football club and I feel we have pulled off a huge coup with this transfer.

“I can’t wait to see him back in the Squires Gate blue and welcome his family to the Brian Addison Stadium once more. We have unfinished business - watch this space!”

We’d also like to place on record our thanks to Longridge Town for their co-operation in this move.

Welcome home, Deano!

#WeAreGate | #He’sHome