COLWYN Bay have received a boost ahead of the new season with the news an influential figure has returned to the club. Manager Phill Hadland has announced that striker Gary Burnett is returning to the Seagulls from Shaw Lane in what he describes as “a real coup for the club”. The 26-year-old was the team’s top scorer early last season when he took up an offer to join Shaw Lane and went on to play a big part in helping the Yorkshire club become the Evostik Division One South champions. Hadland, said: “This is a great signing for us. Gaz could have stayed at Shaw Lane and was in demand from other clubs having won the league last season. “This is a major coup for the club.” Bay have also confirmed that former Vauxhall Motors attacker and self-employed physiotherapist Tom Rutter is to be their new first team physio. The 28-year-old played for Vauxhall in the Conference North and was joint top scorer with Ashley Stott in the 2012/13 season when he played in both league games against Colwyn Bay during the Christmas and New Year period. He said: “Getting back into regular football on the physio side is something I have been thinking about and this is an opportunity to do that. I know Phill from when we were at Warrington Town together, so when he offered me the opportunity I was delighted to accept.”