Billy Knott signs for Concord Rangers: The main thing for me is to be happy and get a smile back on my face

BILLY KNOTT says a move to his home-town club Concord Rangers will put a smile back on his face.

The 25-year-old midfielder signed for Gillingham on a two-year contract in June 2016, but was loaned out to then National League side Lincoln City in February 2017 and then Rochdale on loan in January 2018, before being released by League Two side Lincoln City at the end of the season.

Concord Rangers are now managed by Deal-based Sammy Moore, who left Bostik Premier Division side Leatherhead after a season in charge and former Welling United player-coach Jack Parkinson now has the same role at the Essex club.

Concord Rangers finished in seventeenth-place in the Vanarama National League South under Adam Flanagan last season.

“Some might say it’s a drop, but I don’t see that,” Knott, who has openly discussed his battles with drink and depression, told Twitter.

“I see a manager and chairman that want to move the club forward.  I’ve got people at Concord I can trust and with everything that’s happened, the main thing for me is to be happy and get a smile back on my face.

“There’s more to life than football and at this moment I am happy to be a part of Concord with some great people involved.

“I will be doing everything I can on and off the pitch to succeed this year and get back to where I want to be.

“I can’t thank the chairman, manager, (Jack) Midson and Parky (Parkinson) enough for this chance to be happy again and most of all my dad and family have been unreal for me in the last couple of months.

“It’s time to work hard and have my family and friends close, I can’t wait to get started.”

Chairman Antony Smith told www.concordrangers.co.uk: “Think I can safely say I’m still in shock being able to say that our very own original Beachboy is going to be setting the (National League) South alight next season for Concord Rangers!

“I have known Billy’s family for over 30 years and they have been there for me in the past when I took over the club 20 years ago next year.

“I never forget people that do good by me and this is the main driver for me now investing in helping Billy on and off the pitch and back into professional football.

“I am in total agreement with him and his family that this is the right direction for Billy and that the old saying ‘class is permanent’ will prevail, playing with a smile on his face is what is important right now.

“I think everyone will join me in welcoming Billy back into his boyhood club and help by being there supporting him every step of the way.

“Personally from me just do your thing Billy and it will all come together.”

Visit Concord Rangers’ website: www.concordrangers.co.uk