Ryan Shanley is relishing the chance of a return to Kelty Hearts and said that the club's ambition sold him on the move.
The 25-year-old left Stirling Albion in the summer to sign for the Maroon Machine on a permanent basis, nearly six years after a loan stint at New Central Park.
That was while the frontman was coming through the ranks at Hibernian, and whilst Kelty were in the Lowland League, which they were promoted from in 2021.
Since then, Kelty have won League Two, and spent four seasons in the third tier before last term's relegation, and Shanley's career has taken him to Edinburgh City, Falkirk, and the Binos.
He helped the capital side win promotion alongside his new club in 2022, as they won the League One play-offs, and joined the Bairns midway through their League One title-winning campaign two years later.
Shanley, who opened his goalscoring account for the season with a double in last Tuesday's Premier Sports Cup win over Brora Rangers, is hoping for further success back in a maroon shirt.
"I back myself, the gaffer backs me, the boys back me, and it's nice to do it (score) early doors," he explained.
"I've enjoyed it so far. I had a brief spell before, when they were in the Lowland League, and I enjoyed that as well.
"There's still some of the same faces, so it's good to see them, but it's definitely different.
"I know a few of the boys that enjoyed it (at Kelty). I know they didn't have a great season last season, but we know we've got ability in there, and we just maybe need to sharpen up in a few places.
"We're just hoping we can get a good start and kick on.
"I know the league. I've played in it, a number of years, League One and League Two. It can be nasty at times, but it can also be good. It's always enjoyable.
"We know in there what we want to do, and how far we want to go, so, it's just about putting that onto the pitch, and getting a good start."
During his previous stint at the club, Shanley played alongside current assistant boss, Michael Tidser, who was their player / manager from the summer of 2023 until last January.
He left to take up the head coach position with Dunfermline, but left the Pars just three months later, returning to work alongside Kelty boss, and long-time team-mate and pal, Tam O'Ware, in November.
Shanley's new management team made a positive impression on the player, who scored 18 goals during a season-and-a-half with the Binos, who Kelty will face in League Two.
"I think Tids was manager when I was at Falkirk," he continued.
"He always had them playing. They went through a really good spell, but it's definitely a club I know well.
"I knew people here. I got the gist that it was wanting to go places. After I spoke with the manager, I knew Tids was here, I know the other boys, spoke to them, saw what it was about, and I wanted to come here."
Kelty kick off their League Two campaign at Forfar Athletic on Saturday.
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