Now the 26-year-old centre-back is gearing up for another surge up the football pyramid but this time it is with Kendal Town as they try to get into the Blue Square North.

Steel was been made skipper of Kendal Town and is excited about 2010.

He said: "The standard of the football is impressive and I've had to step up my performances as you don't have as much time to think.

"It has taken time to get used to but I am always looking to improve and play at the highest level that I can."

In one of his most recent matches Kendal Town took on FC United of Manchester and Lee Ashcroft's side beat their illustrious opponents 2-1.

During the match, he was lined up against one of his former team-mates from his Bamber Bridge days – Adam Tong.

Steel said: "It was a bit strange playing against him instead of alongside him in defence.

"There was a lot of banter between us especially as he played up front in the second half and he was in my pocket for most of the match."

Despite that Tong grabbed a 74th minute consolation goal.

Steel regularly keeps updated about the progress of his former club at Irongate with regular texts from officials at the club.

He said: "I am pleased to see that they are up there in the top seven in the league.

"I know they have just signed Peter Wright and also Richie Allen who I both played with and Tony (Greenwood) is putting together a good side to challenge for promotion, if not this year then next.

"They are a team who would do well in this league because apart from the top three or four sides everyone else is the same standard.

"When you look at teams such as Bradford Park Avenue and FC United of Manchester who went up instead of us they are holding their own in the division."