A new club, a new year, but not everything has changed for AFC Telford’s loan defender Adam Dugdale.

The 22-year-old was an unused substitute for Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Stafford Rangers, having only just completed his move from Barrow.

But he is all set to make his Bucks debut tomorrow in the vital Blue Square North clash at Southport.

It will be his first taste of action since November 30, but you could forgive him if he starts feeling a sense of dŽjˆ vu – because Southport were also the opposition that day as he completed a loan spell at Hyde United.

“It’s funny that I could be playing them again, but I know from that game that they are a good side,” said Dugdale.

“They’re a solid, well-organised team and they’re the sort of team that can win games convincingly.”

Dugdale began his career as a youngster at Liverpool, where he played alongside Shropshire-born Danny Guthrie in the junior sides.

He moved on to Crewe, where he signed YTS terms at 16 before signing professional terms two years later and making his senior debut in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie.

But his career took a major knock during his first loan spell – ironically at Southport – when he broke his ankle during a training session.

That held him back and he was released at the end of his Crewe contract, joining Droylsden in the Blue Square Premier in 2007 before moving onto Barrow in the summer.

“Breaking my ankle was a big setback, but I believe these things happen for a reason,” added Dugdale.

“Southport were good to me when I was there and it’s a good club, so I don’t hold any bad feelings towards them.

“I’ve still got some friends there, but I’d be more than happy to take the points off them tomorrow!”

One benefit for Dugdale of his move to Telford is the chance to be re-united with his friend Sean Newton, the Bucks’ left-back.

The two were team-mates at Droylsden and also moved to Barrow together in the summer, though Newton was soon on the move again to Shropshire.

“When I told him I was coming to Telford too, he was joking that I follow him everywhere,” added Dugdale.

“We’re the best of mates and it’s good that we’re back playing together again.”