Eastbourne Borough are delighted to announce Alex Finney has signed on and is available for tomorrow’s FA Trophy tie at Boreham Wood after completing his recovery from a ruptured patellar tendon.

Finney left the Sports’ trip to Truro City in March in an ambulance after the injury, which caused the game to be abandoned.

It capped a frustrating season for Finney, who also missed a large part of the first half of the season through injury, but after featuring in training in recent weeks the defender is back in Adam Murray’s plans.

“It’s great to have Alex back with us,” said boss Murray.

“He was a huge part of our success last season up until his injury. He has worked extremely hard to get back and is looking stronger than before his injury.

“He will add to us and we believe he makes our boat go faster.”

Finney has plenty of experience at this level and above, having amassed over 100 games for Maidstone United and joined the Sports after two seasons at Ebbsfleet United last season.

I know the gaffer means what he says – and he has showed me he is a man of his word…

The towering 6ft 4in defender came through Leyton Orient’s youth ranks before signing for Bolton Wanderers, making his senior debut in the Championship in 2016.

And the centre half is determined to play his part in a successful season for the Sports, and is happy to be back in the fold.

“I spoke to the gaffer at the end of the season, and he said we know you’re going through the injury, but he told me that I was still an Eastbourne player and let me know how your recovery goes.

“I let him know I wanted to come back and train, and then we had the conversation and now here we are. I know the gaffer means what he says, and he has showed me he is a man of his word.

I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to get back out there playing.”

Finney will wear number 36 for Borough. Welcome back, Alex!