Matt Crooks has rejoined Stanley, signing an 18 month deal at the Store First Stadium.
The 21-year-old returns following a loan spell from Huddersfield Town earlier in the season.
He was a free agent after leaving the John Smith's Stadium in January.
“He went back to Huddersfield and then got released in the window and he's someone we were keen to look at not just for this season but for next season,” said Stanley manager John Coleman.
“I think he gives us strength, he can play in quite a lot of positions and I'm delighted with that signing for both this year and next year.”
Crooks played the majority of his games in his loan spell as a striker but is capable of playing both in the heart of midfield and in defence and has operated in those roles previously in his career.
Coleman sees his permanent future further back than fans may have seen him before.
“Sometimes you can be a victim of your own versatility and Matt's keen not to do that,” he explained.
“We did try him up front once because we were craving someone who could hold the ball up, and I still think he can do a job there, but I see more of a defensive role for us and that's the reason why I've signed him.”
Matt Crooks goes straight into the squad for tonight's game with Burton Albion at the Store First Stadium and the official website will have an interview with him after the match.