Chris Ward, played for the QED Stadium side between 2004 and 2005, making 37 appearances and scoring 14 goals.

Now the 27-year-old has moved from Clitheroe where he has spent his time warming the bench being behind first choice strikers Carl Lomax and Anthony Johnson.

It is hoped the player, who was previously on the books of Birmingham City and once attracted a £25,000 transfer fee, will bring some experience to the Victory Park team.

Chorley manager Tony Hesketh said: "We are delighted about signing Chris as there is an arrogance about him and hopefully he will offer cockiness up front which is something we lack.

"The great thing about him is that he has scored goals in league football when he has played especially at Lincoln City and even in non-league and I think he will do the same here."

Chorley have the record of scoring only 16 goals so far this season and the Magpies hope he will help develop some of the younger players at the club.

Hesketh added: "We need leaders out on the pitch and Chris has some of those qualities.

"He will use all his experience which is what we need as the season continues.

"At 27 he wants to get back to his best and even though he may have lost a bit of pace, he is a great target man at this level."