Warrington Rylands stun fans by signing ex-League One player

Warrington Rylands stun fans by signing ex-League One player Joe Bunney who has had plenty of experience in the English Football League.

The 28 year old joins the Northern Premier League Division One West outfit and could make his debut in the FA Trophy second qualifying round clash against their 2020 FA Vase Final opponents Hebburn Town on Saturday.

Bunney most recently played as a defender for National League side Altrincham, and previously played for Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Stockport County, Northwich Victoria, Rochdale, Bolton Wanderers, Matlock Town, Hartlepool United and Grimsby Town.

We’re so excited to announce that an experienced former football league player has joined the blues. 🔵⚪

The versatile @Bunney_93 signs from @TheVanaramaNL side @altrinchamfc

Joe’s former clubs include @OfficialBWFC, @officiallydale & @officialgtfc

Welcome to Rylands! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/k8oCfHKofD

— Warrington Rylands FC (@RylandsFC) October 8, 2021

ALTRINCHAM STATEMENT:

Experienced defender Joe Bunney has today departed The J.Davidson Stadium for Northern Premier League Division One West side Warrington Rylands.

Featuring as a trialist during pre-season, Bunney joined Altrincham shortly after our 3-1 opening day win against Torquay United and has been an impressive performer in Phil Parkinson’s side, making first team appearances against Wealdstone, Notts County, and King’s Lynn Town.

However, the 28-year-old has reluctantly had to part company with The Robins due to his work commitments away from football, with the former Rochdale and Northampton Town man now joining up with last season’s FA Vase winners.

Settling into a new side can often be a daunting prospect, regardless of age. However, Joe fitted into our squad brilliantly, becoming a popular figure in the dressing room. He has been nothing short of professional during his brief, but impressive, stay with the club.

While we are saddened to lose his services, we understand his circumstances and wish him nothing but the best for the future, both on and off the pitch.

This move is subject to FA and League approval.

BUNNEY’S CAREER:

2011–2012 – Lancaster City – 19 games (11 goals)
2012 – Kendal Town – 7 games (3 goals)
2012 – Stockport County
2012–2013 – Northwich Victoria – 26 games (19 goals)
2013–2018 – Rochdale – 122 games (16 goals)
2018–2019 – Northampton Town – 16 games (0 goals)
2018–2019 → Blackpool (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2019 → Rochdale (loan) – 16 games (0 goals)
2019–2020 – Bolton Wanderers
2020 – Matlock Town
2020–2021 – Hartlepool United
2021 – Grimsby Town
2021 – Altrincham

MORE ABOUT THE CLUB:

On the 15th of July 2016, Wayne Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford stated he is aiming to get Rylands to the Football League after investing £100,000 on ground improvements.

On the 2nd April 2018 the club published a letter from Paul Stretford which confirmed his proposed takeover will proceed, subject to due diligence.

The 2018–19 season saw the club move to Division one south of the North West Counties Football League, and winning it at the first attempt, so gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

In the 2019–20 season the club took part in their first-ever FA Cup qualifying campaign, and in 2020, they reach the FA Vase Final, and won it against Hebburn Town at Wembley.

The club announced a name change in August 2020 to Warrington Rylands 1906 FC to reflect their locality.

Gutted my time is up after a short spell but unfortunately I’ve got to do what’s best for me & my family ❤️ .. Continue the good form & I’m sure you’ll be up there @altrinchamfc All the best for the rest of the season 🤝⚽️ https://t.co/oT4oQRkqgJ

— Joe Bunney (@Bunney_93) October 8, 2021

As mentioned, Warrington Rylands stun fans by signing the ex-League One player, see what they said below…

@PaulSunderlandd: Let’s goooooo 🤝💙

@chrismfa1987: All the best with this move Joe. Was great bumping into you at Altrincham in the week. Wishing you nothing but success going forward!

@haydonspenceley: Hope it goes really well, and you enjoy it, which is the most important thing. Playing way below your level there, so have great fun and tear it up

@Connor_bwfc98: Joe Bunney signing for Warrington Rylands, who literally play on a field round corner from my house…. what is going on

@Inter_Alty1977: Good luck for the future Joe… hope move works out for you

@ricjones4: Good luck @Bunney_93 for the future! You have to do what’s best for you and your family.

@philjordan1147: The very best of luck to you Joe. You’d impressed me tremendously during your short stay, and you’ll be missed.

@JeremyArnold31: Very frustrating as he’s a good player. He was a professional footballer til the summer so presumably has just found a job which requires him to play nwcl football as it’s local?

@Mal_TQ: Big shame that. Good player and good guy. Completely understandable though, all the best to Joe with the rest of this football career and other work commitments

@Freddie_Alty: Good luck @Bunney_93 Hopefully see you at Moss Lane again sometime.

@GVayro: Ffs. Good luck to him.

@ethansgrumps: That’s a great shame. Decent player