HE IS classed as a Rams legend and he will now be back playing in Petersfield Town colours in the coming weeks.
It is a sight many Rams supporters never thought they would see again but goalkeeper Matt Shortt is back at Love Lane and is ready to help turn the club’s Wessex League Premier Division campaign around.
Shortt has already made 118 appearances in his first spell at the club, which saw him pick up Wessex League Division 1 and Premier Division winners medals as two promotions in back to back seasons took the club up into the Southern League.
Shortt played in Petersfield’s first ever appearance at step four football in the away game at AFC Rushden and Diamonds, going through the pain barrier to see out the full match – the injury he picked up during that game kept him out for the early part of that season before he moved on to play for Moneyfields for the last two seasons.
Petersfield is a club very close to the keeper’s heart and it is his love for the club and his desire to help improve the situation which has brought him back to Love Lane.
Shortt said: “Since leaving two seasons ago I have always looked out for Petersfield’s scores and I was gutted watching the poor season last year and now their poor start this season.
“I have some great memories of playing for the Rams and pulling off back-to-back league wins was amazing.
“I had a good season with Moneyfields last year and I am hoping I can help kick start the season for Petersfield and help them get some points on the board.
“I have no doubt we will start crawling up the league table and will be in the Premier Division still next season.”
Petersfield have struggled to get results during the first month of the new season, getting just one win in their first six league games and they have also been knocked out of the FA Cup and Hampshire Senior Cup.
Shortt’s signing was confirmed over the weekend and he is expected to go straight into the squad for the home league game against Alresford Town tonight (Tuesday).
Shane Brayson, who is currently running the first team with Mark Summerhill and Tim Farmer, said: “I am over the moon with this signing – George Hill is away for a short while and when he returns we know we will have two top class keepers at the club.”