RICHIE Appleby has linked up with Conference club Forest Green Rovers after Harriers were unable to offer him a deal.

The popular Geordie midfielder had been on non-contract terms at Aggborough while he gradually recovered from his injury woes.

But after being unable to afford to pay the former Swansea and Hull campaigner on a permanent basis, boss Jan Molby arranged Appleby's move to The Lawn.

Appleby started seven games for Harriers this season and scored the winner from the penalty spot against Macclesfield last month.

It was his second spell at Aggborough.