“It’s not every day Accrington buy a player”, their manager John Coleman said after securing the League One side’s second signing of the summer.
And it’s probably also not every day that a new arrival has had to sit through a leavers’ assembly before joining.
Stanley have paid an undisclosed fee to bring in striker Colby Bishop from National League North side Leamington – but non-league football isn’t the only thing he’ll be leaving behind.
The 22-year-old has been working as a learning mentor and PE teacher at a local primary school and will have to see out a week’s notice before he can complete the move.
“It’s sad to be leaving teaching but I am over the moon to be here,” said Bishop, who has agreed a three-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.
“It’s a really good school, the kids will miss me and I think I am having a leavers’ assembly on Friday so it could be quite emotional. I have loved it there but it’s time to move on.
“I know the gaffer here was a primary school teacher as well. I still have to go to work next week and he said he had to do the same thing for three weeks when Accrington turned professional so he does understand it. We have common ground.
“It was a big decision to give up teaching but it was a decision that didn’t take a lot of thinking about, professional football is what I used to do and it’s what I have always wanted to do and I am looking forward to getting going.”
Bishop started his career with Notts County, making four appearances in the English Football League, before going on to have spells with Worcester City and Boston United.
“There were a few clubs in for him but he was adamant from day one that he wanted to come here, which is refreshing,” said Coleman.
“He is raring to go, he will be integrated quickly and we can’t wait to get him on the pitch and hopefully start doing what he does best – scoring goals.”
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
