Accrington Stanley have today completed the permanent signing of midfielder David Morgan from Southport for an undisclosed fee.
Morgan began his footballing career with Northern Irish side Ards, before joining Nottingham Forest at the age of 14.
The 26-year-old then had spells at Ilkeston and Nuneaton Town, with AFC Fylde then paying the latter a five-figure sum to sign the midfielder.
A move to Harrogate Town followed, with Morgan then joining Southport in September 2017.
The midfielder was handed the captaincy a year later, and he was also named in the 2019/20 National League North Team of the Season after scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists.
Morgan becomes Stanley's second signing of the day following the arrival of midfielder Adam Phillips on loan from Burnley.
Manager John Coleman said: "David is a good player, I've watched him numerous times at Southport and he's been comfortably their best player.
"He can be an attacking or defensive midfielder, he's got a terrific shot on him and a good range of passing as well.
"He hasn't been playing full-time football but he did his Youth Training Scheme (YTS) at Nottingham Forest, he's a fit lad and I don't see it as a gamble.
"He's a man who has played a lot of football matches and he's done consistently well for Southport, this is a chance for him in the Football League and these lads tend to grab it with both hands."
After signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Reds, Morgan, who is a qualified PE teacher, said: "This came around quickly but these things happen in life and you have to take the opportunities when they arrive.
"Initially I signed at Notts Forest, I have been around quite a bit in non-league, had different loans and then settled at Southport for two-and-a-half years and played over 100 games and was the club captain.
"It's always been my dream to get back into full-time football and I will be totally honest with you, as the years go on, at 26, I didn't think I would get another opportunity to get back into the EFL and I have got to say thank you to every one at Southport and Accrington for giving me this chance.
"I am experienced enough to know that there is no one else it is down to now, it's all down to me. I am a qualified PE teacher I did have plans to move on but I am glad this opportunity has arrived and I will make the most of it."
Due to Stanley's close to relationship with Southport, Morgan already knows some of the team.
"Ross Sykes came on loan to Southport, Dion came from Southport to here and I am in touch with him regularly, I know Colby from non-league and it's nice I know quite a few of the lads, that will help me settle in.
"I have my own gym at the house, I do try and do my own bits but that's nothing to compare to full-time football and hopefully I can get up to speed quickly."
Morgan is not eligible for tomorrow night's game against Bristol Rovers as the move is subject to EFL and FA ratification.
Do you want to sponsor David?
Our sponsorship packages are priced at £180 for home or away kit, or we offer a deal of £299 for both.
We also offer our corporate business sponsorship package for £499, to find out more information please contact our Commercial team on 01254 356950 (Option 3) or by emailing commercial@accringtonstanley.co.uk.