Morecambe sign Stanley's Mullin

Paul Mullin played over 400 games in his two spells with Accrington Stanley

Morecambe have signed veteran long-serving striker Paul Mullin from Accrington Stanley.

The 35-year-old was in his second spell with Stanley, having played a key part in helping the former founder members return to the Football League in 2006.

He has signed for Stanley's League Two Lancashire rivals in time to make his debut against Carlisle in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.

Shrimps boss Sammy Mcllroy revealed he tried to sign Mullin during the summer.

McIlroy told the club website: "I am delighted the deal has finally been achieved.

"He is a player who has always impressed me. He will bring us depth up front, vital experience and will give us a different dimension to the way we play."

I am now at that stage of my career where I need a new challenge and it is a good time to move on

Paul Mullin

Mullin played in Stanley's first five games of the new season, but his only goal was the last-minute League Cup winner against Walsall. And he had been dropped to the bench for the last two games.

"It is sad to leave Stanley after all these years," he said. "I had a great time there.

"But I am now at that stage of my career where I need a new challenge and it is a good time to move on.

"I've played against Morecambe a lot of times over the years and know their style. At the same time they know me well as well and they know exactly what they're getting."

Bury-born Mullin was surprisingly allowed to leave Stanley after making his first-team debut in September 1995. He played for four other North-west non-league clubs - Darwen, Trafford, Clitheroe and Radcliffe Borough - before rejoining Stanley in August 2000.

He made more than 400 appearances for Stanley and hit 33 goals in 129 games since they returned to the league.