MARCUS Maddison has been tempted back into football at non-league Spalding United.

The midfielder, who cut short a loan at Bolton Wanderers this season after struggling with his mental health and being away from his family, has accepted an offer from former Peterborough United team-mate, now Spalding manager Gaby Zakuani.

Since leaving Bolton, Maddison has set up his own gaming channel on Twitch and said he was considering leaving the game altogether.

But speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph the 27-year-old said the offer from Zakuani was a good fit for him at the current time.

“When Gaby reached out and offered me the opportunity to get involved with what he’s trying to build at Spalding, I felt like it was something I wanted to be part of,” he said. “I look forward to getting fit and showing the gaffer what I can do.”

Zakuani, who managed the Northern Premier League Midlands Division outfit, added: “I’m very pleased to get a player of this quality. I know Marcus personally, and I think at this arrangement suits both parties.”

Maddison made 10 appearances for Bolton, having joined them on loan from Charlton Athletic on the final day of the winter transfer window.

He failed to win a regular starting place in the side, however, and had been living on his own in the club’s hotel, away from his young daughter, which had affected his mental wellbeing.

After talks with Ian Evatt and his representatives, Maddison was given permission to cut short his loan and return home with the club’s blessing.

Speaking at the time, Evatt added: “Football takes a back seat in all this. People need to respect his privacy and wish him well, so hopefully he can get himself back in the right place.”

Maddison had previously been signed from non-league Gateshead by Peterborough, where he played for six years before a loan spell with Hull City and a free transfer to Charlton.

His official release at The Valley was confirmed today, along with ex-Wanderers players Darren Pratley and Erhun Otzumer.