The former Hyde United, Farsley Celtic, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Garforth Town player has committed to Thackley for the run in. Dempsey, who earlier in the season was playing for Liversedge FC in the Northern Premier League, is a powerful centre back, a leader on the pitch and will add further quality to the Thackley AFC back line.

Joint Manager Danny Forrest had the following to say about the new signing:

"Matty is a player I've admired for a long time and someone I've always wanted to work with so Tom and I are delighted to bring Matty to the Club.

He is a leader, a winner and a top player for the level. He has vast experience and he is full of personality which will be valuable in and around the Club and I'm sure he can help get the best out of some of the other players in our squad.

The fact we are now able to attract players of this calibre to Thackley AFC speaks volumes about where we are as a club and where we want to go on and off the pitch.

We are moving into the final part of the season and we are looking to pick up results and put as many points on the board as possible. But we also have half an eye on next season and all being well we will be building Matty into those plans after some really positive conversations."

Subject to league approval, Dempsey will be available for the squad for Tuesday night's match against Knaresborough Town (7.45pm KO at Dennyfield).

Welcome to Thackley AFC, Matty!