MALVERN Town have signed former Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City striker Mark Sheppard to boost their ambition of taking the Midland Alliance title at the second time of asking.

Manager Neil Hunt said: "Mark is a local lad and we have fought off other clubs. I've been chasing him for the last 18 months and I've finally got the man I want.

"He could be worth 20 to 25 goals a season at our level of football."

Gloucester City, Cinderford Town and Bromsgrove Rovers are among those believed to have been also chasing the 27-year-old.

Shepherd was in and out of the Solihull Borough team last season but has previously been among the leading scorers at Southern League level.

Town have also signed ex-City and Evesham United versatility player Marc Burrow and hope to play him at centre-back.