Harriers bring in Mark Albrighton

Kidderminster Harriers have added a touch of know-how to their young squad by completing the signing of veteran defender Mark Albrighton.

The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal yesterday afternoon after turning down an offer to stay at Stevenage, despite the lure of League Two football with the Blue Square Premier champions.

Albrighton was keen to move back to the Midlands, having been born in Nuneaton, but spending most of his 12-year playing career away from the area.

The big centre-half is best remembered for a four-year spell at Doncaster from 2002 to 2006, but also has Football League experience from loan spells at Chester, Boston and Darlington.

Now Albrighton finds himself back in the top tier of non-league football, where he has played with Rushden & Diamonds, Cambridge and Stevenage over the past three years.

And Harriers boss Steve Burr believes his experience will be invaluable to the team over the course of the season.

He said: "Mark will bring massive experience to what is going to be a young squad here this year. He has been at a number of clubs, picked up promotions and been involved in the play-offs - it shows the nature of the lad that he wants to continue that with us.

"There had been an offer on the table for him at Stevenage for the new season but he doesn't want to be a squad player, he wants to be involved as much as possible in what we're doing and he is a fantastic addition for us.

"He is locally based and is someone I have known for a very long time - it is great to have him here."