Defender returns to the Linnets for a second spell

Tai Fleming believes he arrives back at King’s Lynn Town a better player after returning to The Walks for a second spell.Defender Fleming, who came through Norwich City’s Academy system as a youngster, has been named as the club’s sixth summer signing.He arrives back in Norfolk after two seasons at Banbury United in the Southern League Central Premier, where he skippered the Puritans and made 94 appearances.The 23-year-old centre half helped the Puritans keep 20 clean sheets last season, as well as picking up no fewer than 15 man-of-the-match awards in the process.Fleming, who found his opportunities limited during his last spell with Lynn, said: “I played 15, 16 games that last season and thought I did quite well, but it was time in my career where I needed to go play, get games under my belt at that age and kick on.”That’s what I did at Banbury and now I’ve found myself back here, so I’m buzzing. I’ve got all that experience now, I’ve played 90-plus games at that level and I’m all the better for it.”Just playing men’s football week in and week out and all the challenges that come with it has made me a much better player. “I’ll put my head where it hurts and that’s just the type of player I am. I’ll do anything to get the three points and win football games, that’s what I’m all about, to be honest.” The Downham-based player hopes he can maintain his recent clean sheet record with the Linnets.”It was 20 clean sheets last season, Banbury had the best defensive record in the league and 15 man-of-the-match awards as well, so I had a very good spell last season.”The defensive record is something that makes me proud and that’s what I want to come here and do.” Fleming is looking forward to renewing his partnership with Kyle Callan McFadden and becoming a thorn in the side of opposition strikers.”Kyle’s done it all,” he admitted. “He’s played this level, above this level and he is a top person to learn from and play with, so I can’t wait for that.”He’s a few years older than me, and I remembering watching him when I was there. “I’ve seen a lot of things about him from the last season and I’m buzzing to be playing next to him and can’t wait for that.”Fleming’s departure from Banbury United was announced by the Puritans on X yesterday.It read: “We can confirm that a club has met the compensation fee requirement in Tai Fleming’s contract, and he will sadly be moving on from Banbury United this summer as he climbs the pyramid into full time football.”Tai has been a huge part of this club over the past two years. He is a player who has consistently led by example, both on and off the pitch. “He captained the side toward the end of the 2023/24 season, playing every single Step 2 game of the campaign in the process, and was instrumental in our defensive record at Step 3 last season.”He’ll be sorely missed at Banbury, not just as a footballer, but as a person. We wish him nothing but success in the next stage of his career as he leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at the club.”Fleming’s arrival comes on the day the club also announced the departure of midfielder Bailey Marsden, who has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.Signed from Northern Premier League, Division West club Mossley for an undisclosed fee back in March, the majority of Marsden’s time came on the bench, where he made seven appearances as a substitute.The situation regarding Finlay Barnes, Kian Ronan and Freddie Sass is yet to be announced with their contracts set to expire at the end of June.