By Luke Pawley
Former Leicester City striker Billy Kee has signed for local non-league side Coalville Town.
Kee retired from professional football earlier this month, following five years at League One club Accrington Stanley, due to his well-documented battle against depression.
The 29-year-old has now found other full-time work in his home county of Leicestershire, but has chosen to commit to part-time football with seventh tier side Coalville.
“When someone of Billy’s calibre becomes available on our doorstep, you have to do everything you can to get him on board,” said Coalville Town chairman Glyn Rennocks.
“Since we met last week, it has been a pleasure to deal with him and we are delighted he’s chosen us over a host of big names in non-league.
“Being a Leicester-based lad, our location suits him perfectly. He can now balance working full-time whilst playing part-time football.”
Coalville have already been inundated with requests from fans of Kee’s former clubs, asking if they can order Coalville shirts with ‘KEE 9’ printed on the back.
Speaking about his popular new signing, manager Adam Stevens said: “I am delighted to get Billy back on the football pitch again, my type of player whose experience, ability and know-how will be invaluable to us in the run-in.
“To choose us is a massive coup for the club and local area. I’m sure Billy and family will fit in with our family club ethos and enjoy his football again.”
Kee will be named in the Coalville squad as they host Needham Market in a league match tonight (7.45pm).
