FORMER Cherries star Christer Warren is set for an unexpected playing return to English football with Sydenhams Wessex One club Christchurch.

The versatile left-sided 40-year-old started for Cherries in the Auto Windscreens Shield final in 1998 – the club’s only Wembley appearance – and scored 14 goals in 127 matches during three years at Dean Court.

Ex-Southampton and QPR man Warren, who recently moved back to the UK from France, made his name as a forward for Cheltenham Town and earned a replay with a memorable FA Cup goal against hometown club Cherries in December 1992.

He went on to play non-league football for Eastleigh and Lymington & New Milton among others before a stint as player-manager at Wimborne Town, a position he left by mutual consent in November 2008.

Priory manager Adie Arnold told the Daily Echo: “He has been playing in France at a reasonable level but recently decided to come back to England.

“I go back a long way with Christer and he wants to continue playing. He is as fit as a flea and can play a number of positions so his experience, football knowledge and, most importantly, ability will be a massive asset to us.”

Arnold confirmed Warren had been drafted in solely as a player but vowed to utilise his new acquisition’s experience of more than 150 Football League appearances.

“I would be a fool not to tap into his knowledge,” Arnold added.

“He has played at the highest level and everyone can learn from him, particularly the youngsters at the club. He is a role model and the sort of player you should look up to, watch and see how he handles himself."

The club is currently working on Warren’s international clearance. Meanwhile, Arnold confirmed the re-signing for left-back Dan Taylor for the forthcoming campaign.