Parker’s heading back home

The 29-year-old has left AFC Fylde for the Scottish First Division’s bottom club Ayr United.

Parker joined Blackpool from St Johnston in 2004, and his four seasons at Bloomfield Road were highlighted by the play-off goals which helped Pool win promotion to the Championship.

He went on to play for Fleetwood Town and has had spells with Huddersfield, Oldham, Mansfield and Stockport, besides loan stints with Hartlepool and Bury ,

Parker scored 13 goals in 28 appearances since joining Fylde last September, days after agreeing a deal with neighbours AFC Blackpool, but he was unable to hold down a place in Dave Challinor’s table-topping side.

Parker said: “It’s a great chance for a fresh start back in Scotland for me and I am looking forward to it.

“I have enjoyed my time at Fylde and it’s been a good period for me, playing games and scoring goals, which I needed when I became a free agent last summer. I wish the people at the club all the best for the future.”

Challinor said: “Keigan has actively been looking to re-ocate to Scotland, and Ayr contacted us last week about his availability and made him an offer to go back into full-time training so it’s an opportunity for him to start again. “The only disappointment from our point of view was that he played for Partick Thistle in a trial game and didn’t tell us about it until the call from Ayr came.

“He’s still 29 and should now be in the prime of his career – he just needs to continue to work hard and get his head down to revive his career – good luck to him.”

He will now be working with former Blackpool and Rangers defender Brian Reid who is Ayr’s manager.

Fylde are now looking to bolster their attacking options with transfer moves of their own.