DEFENDER Junior Brown has left Northwich Victoria to join the club’s former captain Simon Grand at Blue Square Bet Premier newcomers Fleetwood Town.

The 21-year-old says his form for Vics, who he joined after leaving FC Halifax Town last summer, clinched him a move to Highbury.

“I feel I did really well at Northwich,” he said.

“Andy Preece and Andy Morrison were a great help in terms of progressing my career to the stage I’m at now.

“It’s earned me a chance to play at a level just below the Football League and, while I’ll be sad to say goodbye to everybody there including the fans, I want to take the opportunity Fleetwood have given to me.”

Brown made 32 starts in league and cup, scoring three times, in his single season in Wincham, quickly establishing himself as a fans’ favourite.

His form kept namesake Ryan, a regular during Vics’ previous three campaigns in the top tier of non-league football, out of the team.

Fleetwood boss Micky Mellon admits Brown’s performances against the Blue Square North play-offs winners had captured his attention.

“Junior is a player I’ve admired for some time because he’s athletic and strong on the ball,” he told Fleetwood’s official website.

“He wants to progress and be a better footballer and that’s a massive reason to bring him here.”

Grand joined Fleetwood in March, helping them to win promotion via the play-offs.