Armthorpe Welfare is delighted to announce the signing of ex-professional Leo Fortune-West.

Fortune-West started his career in Non-League football with Tiptree United at the age of 17.

After moving around the lower leagues for a few years, he signed his first professional contract with Gillingham in 1995.

He finished as their top scorer with 15 goals in his first season as Gillingham where promoted to the Second Division.

He also had spells at Rotherham United (59 appearances, 26 goals) and Cardiff City (92 appearances, 23 goals) where he gained three more promotions.

Fortune-West became somewhat of a local legend in the area with Doncaster Rovers.

He joined in 2003 after Rovers had just earned their place back in the Football League and, in his first season at the club, he went on to help Rovers win the Third Division Championship (now League Two) by scoring 12 goals in 43 appearances and gain promotion to the Second Division.

When released by Doncaster Rovers in 2006, he returned to non-league football having short spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United, York City and Alfreton Town.

Fortune-West is a very tall and strong striker and Welfare are hoping his arrival can mark a change in fortunes as they continue to struggle for form.

Manager Des Bennett is poised to throw him straight into the side for the visit to Parkgate in the KoolSport NCEL Premier Division game on Saturday.

Some Welfare supporters will have to wait a little longer to see him in action though, as their next home game is not until Tuesday 16th November 2010.

Meanwhile, Armthorpe's Premier Division match at home to Parkgate on Monday 27th December is now a 1pm kick-off.