SCOTT Neilson has described his sensational return to Grimsby Town as a case of 'right place, right time'.
As revealed on our website www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/sport, the 25-year-old has signed a one-year-deal at Blundell Park.
He starred for the Mariners during a three-month loan spell earlier in the season.
When that dazzling temporary stay in Cleethorpes came to an end, Neilson took the decision to move closer to his home in the south, and joined Town's league rivals Luton Town.
However, he admits that things didn't work out as planned with the Hatters, and after leaving Kenilworth Road, he has now come full circle by re-signing with the Mariners.
The former Crawley man hinted that a return to North East Lincolnshire may have been on the cards when he spoke exclusively to the Telegraph earlier this month.
And now after finally sealing the deal, he says he's already looking forward to making his second Mariners 'debut'.
"It felt weird driving up here again but it's good to be back," he said.
"Obviously last time it was just a loan spell, but now that I'm back here permanently, I can't wait to get started again," he said.
"I've been in contact with the gaffers since I left and I'm glad to have finally got something sorted.
"They both knew I really enjoyed it when I was here, but it just wasn't the right time to move here permanently.
"But it definitely feels like the right time to make the move now.
Neilson, who is looking to relocate to the area, continued: "I could have gone to another club and I might not have got on there – I went to Luton and it didn't really work out there to be honest – but I've come back here and I feel like I can fit in perfectly.
"I know what it's like here and feel comfortable.
"I've been talking to the gaffers and from day one – they've just been talking sense and I like that.
"They know what they want to do with this club and I like that.
"I could have waited – it's only the beginning of May after all – and saw what my options were, but the managers were straight up and said 'this is how it is' and we got it done. It's a new start for me and I can't wait."
Neilson will find that the Mariners squad has changed drastically since his time on the east coast, following the release of eight players earlier this month.
But he believes there is still plenty of quality in the dressing room, and with a summer of transfer activity ahead – added that Town will be well-equipped for a promotion push next season.
He added: "After I left, I was looking out for Town's results and at one point they just kept winning and winning and I thought, 'they're going to go up straight away'.
"But then they started slipping and unfortunately they didn't make it and it was a shame – but hopefully we can go better next season.
"I know they've got rid of a few lads, but if you look at it, there's still real quality here.
"There's a bit of experience and the team spirit is really good here.
"I've spoken to the gaffers and they're looking to bring in another six or seven lads – maybe a few more – over the summer.
"And with the players that are already here, there's no reason why we can't go up next season."
