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Astley claimed to be miffed over being called on to pay for a Wembley video when he quit the club in September.

But after making a goalscoring return to the Moat Ground in the 2-1 win over Halesowen Harriers on Saturday he declared: “I’m truly sorry I said all those things and I hope the people will forgive me. I admit my heart was ruling my head at the time and the following day I wish I hadn’t said anything – I never wanted to upset anybody.

“Looking back I was wrong to blame the club for the problems I had at the time.”

Now the 32-year-old Wolverhampton carpenter says he’s delighted to be back in the fold and looking forward to resuming his Rovers career after almost quitting the game.

“I went to Wednesfield after leaving Rovers and while everyone there was fine the football just wasn’t the same and there was no atmosphere on the pitch. The only game I really enjoyed playing in for Wednesfield was the 2-2 draw up at Gresley back in October.

“Playing for Gresley spoils you really and I don’t think I would have considered playing for anyone else.

“I ended up helping out a mate who runs a side down in the Wolverhampton Works League and training with a division seven club at a school down the road from where I live.

“But the chance came to come back to Gresley and now I’ve got all my enthusiasm back. I hope what’s happened in the past can be forgotten and my Rovers career lasts for a long time yet.”

Manager Frank Northwood backed Astley up by saying: “Steve said he wanted to come back and I take that as a compliment to the club. By the way he’s performed for us in the past supporters should be pleased to have him back.

“He’s not the only former player who’d like to rejoin us – Ian Wells who also went to Wednesfield, has asked if I’d consider having him back.”