KEVIN Ellison has signed for Warrington Rylands after turning down a coaching offer with Newport County AFC to keep playing.

The 43-year-old midfielder left the Exiles this summer after two seasons and 45 appearances at Rodney Parade.

Ellison completed his UEFA A licence earlier this year and worked with County's academy players, while he was an influential figure at the training ground and on matchdays even when not in the first team plans.

Manager James Rowberry said that they would discuss a coaching-only role for the Liverpudlian but Ellison didn't want to hang up the boots.

"I still feel fit, hungry, motivated and dedicated – you're a long time retired someone told me – and I still feel I could offer something on the pitch and off it (coaching/mentoring)," he said after announcing he had left County.

Ellison, who turns 44 in February, has now returned to his native north west to play for Rylands.

The Warrington side are in the Northern Premier League, the seventh tier of the English pyramid, and get their campaign under way on Saturday against Gainsborough Trinity.

"Can't wait to get going," Tweeted Ellison. "Looking forward to getting my boots back on - age is just a number!"