Hinckley AFC have completed the signing of midfielder Reece Massey from Leicester Nirvana, while Nick Brandish has returned to the club.
Massey came through the youth system at Coventry City, and was with the Sky Blues until shortly before his 18th birthday, when he joined Brackley Town in the National League North after a trial there.
He had a loan spell with North Leigh at step three, as well as spending brief stints with Atherstone Town and Barwell before joining Nirvana towards the end of last season. He played in their 2-0 win over Hinckley in March, hitting the bar during the second half.
Now, having just turned 21, he links up with AFC for the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, Brandish played an important role in the Hinckley side that reached the United Counties Division One play-off final in 2021/22.
After a stuttering start, in which he got sent off on the opening day, he went on to feature 25 times that season and started all of our top-of-the-table away wins at Kimberley Miners Welfare, Aylestone Park and Hucknall Town.
An ankle injury derailed that progress and meant he missed out on the play-offs, but after a spell back playing with Nuneaton Griff, he re-joins Hinckley for the new campaign.
Manager Joe Conneely said: “Reece is good midfielder, he’s tidy, fit, energetic, looks after the ball well and tries to play forward. Being on 3G for home games will suit him.
“He hasn’t really settled anywhere, so hopefully he can do that here and we’re really pleased to get him.
“Nick is very reliable. Every big game we had in that UCL Division One season, he played in until he got injured before the play-offs. He’s had a few problems with his ankles in the last couple of seasons but he’s stayed really fit and is in good nick.
“He rarely gives ball away, he’s calm but aggressive and we can rely on him, so we’re pleased to get him back. He’s also extremely versatile and can cover off a number of positions for us.”
You can sponsor Reece or Nick for just £75 for the entire 2025/26 season, getting your name or business alongside his in each home league matchday programme and on the club website. To sponsor a player, contact Mark Langley on a matchday or email mark@hinckleyafc.co.uk.
Welcome to Hinckley, Reece, and welcome back Nick!
