ALBION Sports boss Kulwinder Sandhu could have found a solution to a problem position after a chance phone call led to James Gill making his debut for the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division club last Saturday.

Gill played at centre back for the Lions in a friendly against Bradford Park Avenue, one of his former clubs, and it was an impressive display.

His vast experience was a boon for Albion and he was soon sharing it with his team-mates, directing operations at the back.

Sandhu said: "I rang him and told him I needed a good central defender with an old head and he said he could do a job for me.

"I asked if he could play against Avenue at the weekend and he said he could, so we got him straight in. He's only 32 and he's very vocal, so he could be a great fit for us; just what we're looking for.

"He's done his coaching badges and was manager at Silsden but he told me that he'd gone into management a bit too early. It was because of that bad injury he had as a young player. I think he's still got a lot to offer as a player."

Gill suffered a double break to his leg soon after signing for Avenue from Silsden ten years ago. His career was under threat and the recovery road was a long one but just 12 months later he was back playing.

After losing his job as Silsden boss midway through last season, Gill had been playing Sunday League football but was glad to be back at non-League level last weekend. He played the first half and almost 15 minutes of the second half, which had been pre-arranged.

Gill said: "I enjoyed it. It was a tough game to play against Avenue, they are a good side, but it was great to be involved.

"It was always the plan to come off around the hour mark as I couldn't have done the full 90, not against a side of their quality and fitness.

"Avenue are in National North and they had trialists playing looking to impress their manager. But Albion have some very good players and, if selected, I'd love to involved in the next friendly and beyond."

That decision rests with the Albion manager but Sandhu appeared to be convinced after seeing Gill's qualities and said: "He'll be playing in the next game and, if I have my way, he'll be our player for the new season. He'll sign for us, don't worry about that."