Weston-super-Mare AFC have announced the signing of striker Nick McCootie from Southern League side Yate Town who returns for his second spell at the club after leaving in 2022.

The 35-year-old striker arrives back at the Optima Stadium five years and two days on from his original signing for the club, having scored 17 goals and assisted 19 in 78 games for The Seagulls during his 2019-2022 stint.

One of McCootie’s most memorable moments for Weston came during the 2022 campaign when his goal and assist in a 2-1 win against Harrow late in the season helped the club secure a playoff spot in the Southern League Premier South.

Before his initial move to Weston in 2019, he also played for teams such as Paulton Rovers, Chippenham Town, and Bath City after leaving the Bristol City academy at 18.

Since leaving in 2022 he has also played for Taunton Town as well as Yate where he managed 14 goals in 18 games after signing in January 2024, numbers that saw him named in the fan-picked Southern League Division One South Team of the Season.

Nick will replace the departing Marlon Jackson and join veteran striker Reuben Reid as the men up top for Bartlett to choose from when the 2024/25 season begins.

Reid was top scorer for The Seagulls last season with 12 goals and the squad will be hoping that McCootie’s presence will help add more as they look to improve on their 13th place finish in the National Conference League South last season.

After signing for Weston, McCootie said: “It was an easy choice (to return).

“I’ve been here before, I know the club well and the manager, which was a big influence on why I decided to come back.

“Scott gave me a call and he sold it to me again about the project and where he sees the club going.

“I’ve seen the other players that have come in, it all added together, and this is something that I want to be a part of.”

Weston manager Scott Bartlett also spoke after the signing. He said: “It’s a good signing for us, Nick knows the club inside out and the standards we work to.

“He is experienced, strong, powerful and still very quick.

“We have a very specific role for Nick this season which will work well for us, he knows what is required and will be really important.”