Bala Town sign experienced defender Antony Kay on a free transfer

Bala Town have signed veteran defender Antony Kay on a free transfer.

Kay, joins the Lakesiders in time for their Europa League qualifier with Valletta on Thursday, 27 August.

The 37-year-old was most recently at Chorley, where he made four appearances in the Vanarama National League, before the season was curtailed. 

Commenting on the addition, manager Colin Caton said: “The calibre of him and the amount of league games he’s played, the experience he will add to the squad is something we couldn’t turn down, he’s come out of the fulltime game and now wants to play part-time, to allow him to pursue a different career.

“We’re fortunate to have him, the pedigree and calibre of him is unbelievable, he’ll add so much experience to our defensive structure and can’t wait to work with him.

“In the short time I’ve worked with him, his attitude is second to none, so you can see why he played at the top for a long time, and hope he can rub off on some of our younger players, to change their outlook on how they approach games, so really looking forward to working with him”

He becomes the fifth signing of the summer for Colin Caton’s side.

Bala have already signed Alex Ramsay, Llyr Morris, Nathan Peate and most recently Raul Correia, prior to the utility man’s arrival.

Born in Barnsley, Kay has had a 20-year playing career and has made over 500 appearances in the English Football League.

Kay’s career began with hometown club Barnsley, a club he spent seven years at, playing mainly in the third tier, but helping them to the Championship in 2007.

Moving on from Barnsley after their promotion, Kay made the move to Tranmere Rovers, where he played for two years in League One.

He then moved to Huddersfield Town, playing for the Terriers for three years, racking up 119 appearances.

His second longest spell at a club then followed as he moved to MK Dons in 2012, where he helped them to a promotion to the Championship.

Kay made 161 for the Dons before a move to Bury and then Port Vale. 

The centre-back, who spent a majority of his career in England’s professional game, made his last appearance in League Two in April 2019.

(Featured Image: Mark-Trfc)