A NON-LEAGUE footballer has jumped up a level and is now preparing for a European campaign.
Liam Nash has swapped English seventh-tier outfit Hornchurch for Gibraltar Premier League side Bruno’s Magpies.
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The striker, who also works as a self-employed builder, joined the European hopefuls on a one-month loan deal.
Bruno’s Magpies were founded in a bar in 2013 in Gibraltar but Nash is excited to get started at the club.
It is not his first spell in the British Overseas Territory as he had a “brief spell” there in 2020.
But after suffering play-off final disappointment against Aveley last season, Nash is now set for a Conference League clash thanks to attracting interest from a manager in his previous spell.
He told The Daily Star: “He gave me the heads up that their striker was potentially going to be out for the Conference League, and he really liked me when I was over here. He asked me if I fancied coming over to help out, and that was it basically!
“He’d been on my case for a while to come out for a season or two. I said I wasn’t interested as I’m enjoying my football at Hornchurch and was doing really well and settled back in England. He’s tried for the last year or so and he’s finally got his way!
“I decided it was too much of an opportunity to turn down the chance to play in Europe. If it was just the league I probably would’ve said no, but the Europa Conference League was the thing that swung it for me.”
The tie comes against Republic of Ireland outfit Dundalk on July 13, with the first leg being played in Gibraltar.
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Nash will also be available for the second leg on July 20.
Two days later, Nash’s parent club, Hornchurch, will be facing Dagenham and Redbridge in a club friendly.
Bruno’s Magpies is currently managed by Alfonso Cortijo, who is back at the club for a second spell.
He used to play for LaLiga sides Cadiz, Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla as well as being team-mates with Deigo Maradona.
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The Gibraltarian side qualified for the Conference League after finishing third in the country’s top division last season.
Hornchurch manager and former EFL striker Steve Morrison admitted that the club had to allow Nash the opportunity to play in European competition.
He told club media: “Whilst we are looking forward to our pre-season campaign we felt we had to let Nashie take part in this fantastic experience of playing in the Europa Conference League.
“We hope he will have some great experiences, play well and stay injury free and we expect him to return to the club for the Braintree game on 25th July.”
Nash also revealed that he appreciated the opportunity but did insist that he would be returning to the club for the start of next season.
He added: “It was an opportunity that came about from my time in Gibraltar, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me so I spoke to the Chairman and Steve Morison who were both supportive of me playing, which I appreciate.
“I look forward to returning for the end of the Urchins pre-season, hopefully a better player for the experience.”
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