James O'Connor signs for Kidderminster

The 32-year-old has moved to Aggborough on a three-year deal after his contract with the Saddlers was terminated by mutual consent back in August.

O’Connor, who began his career at Villa, moved to Walsall from Derby in 2014 and quickly became a mainstay in the side.

He amassed more than 100 appearances in his time at the Banks’s Stadium and was named vice-captain just 12 months ago.

But he was told by manager Jon Whitney he didn’t feature in his plans this season – much to the dismay of Saddlers’ supporters.

O’Connor knows Harriers’ boss John Eustace from the their time together at Derby. And he's looking forward to working under his former team-mate.

O'Connor said: “He was a great professional as a player and he’s taken that into his management career.

“He has got the utmost respect from all of the players, I have seen that myself already.

“He knows the game and is very ambitious and that suits where the club are trying to go.”

Following his departure from the Banks's, O'Connor was determined to find a new side and spent the past fortnight assessing whether a move to Aggborough would be right for him.

“I was invited into the club by the manager a couple of weeks ago,” he reflected.

“I came in and got a really good feel for the place.

“It really impressed me; it’s really well run and really forward-thinking.

“From day one I enjoyed my time and got the bit between my teeth, I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“You can see everyone pulling in the same direction at the club and they all have one goal, and that’s to get back into the Football League as quickly as possible.

“It’s exciting to be part of a project that’s so exciting for the club and the town.”