Former York City captain finds new club in Northern Premier League

Brown has returned to the club he played for in his earlier years, joining Northern Premier League top flight side Marine.

The centre-back joined York in 2020 after five years at Halifax Town FC and captained the City side that progressed through the play-offs to the Vanarama National League.

Brown was a regular, making 38 appearances over the season and contributing two goals as the Minstermen returned to the fifth division.

The 33-year-old joined AFC Telford United for the 2022/23 season but were relegated from the Vanarama National League North after finishing bottom of the table.

Marine finished last season in ninth place and missed the playoffs. Brown joined the club hoping to return to the National League North with his new side.

Manager Neil Young told the Navy media team: “The plan for this season has always been to bring more experience to the squad and be potential leaders.”

Matty meets all of these criteria. He has played for and captained Halifax Town, York City and Telford. He’s been here before so he knows the club well.”

Brown told club media: “I’ve reached a stage in my career where being close to home is important and going back to Marine was the only real place I wanted to go.”

“Having seen how much the club has evolved since I was last here in terms of stadium, pitch and supporters, and the attendance has skyrocketed, it was second nature to me.

“Having worked with Neil before, I was dying to work with him again. I was really impressed working with him in Halifax and the proof of that is in what he has accomplished at Marine.

“The club only goes in one direction and I would like to think that with the experience I’ve had in the game and the promotions I’ve won, I can bring that bit of experience to a young team.

“I can’t wait to be there and after just missing out on the play-offs last year, I want to go one step further this year. I can’t wait to embark on a new challenge and look forward to being back with Marine.”