FORMER Bantams boss Michael Collins made a difficult return to football on Saturday, making his debut for Alfreton Town as they were hammered 7-1 at home to Spennymoor Town.

The 32-year-old, who was sacked by City in September after just six games, is back playing after signing for the National League North side this week.

It proved a tough reintroduction as Spennymoor inflicted Alfreton's worst ever home league defeat.

Collins had been combining his role as Bantams under-18s coach with playing for home-town National League club FC Halifax Town in the second half of last season before his shock appointment as City boss in June.

On signing Collins, Alfreton boss Billy Heath said: “We tried to get Michael in the summer before he opted to take on the opportunity at Bradford City.

"I’ve worked with him before and he provides us with massive experience. It’s a top signing for us.

“He is a good midfielder and he had a break away from Halifax to get into management but he has always been a fit player so it might take him a few games to get to top level but Michael joining us really adds to our squad in both quality and experience.

"We are delighted to have him.”

The experienced midfielder has more than 300 league appearances to his name, having started his career at Huddersfield Town.

After making just short of 150 league games for the Terriers, he went on to play for Scunthorpe, Oxford, York and Leyton Orient among other clubs.