CENTRAL defender Matthew Gadsby has agreed a one-year deal with Kidderminster Harriers.

The 23-year-old is Harriers' manager Ian Britton's first close season capture.

Gadsby began his career with Walsall and moved through their ranks. He played for the Saddlers in a Second Division play-off final a couple of seasons ago. The six-footer went on loan to Mansfield at the beginning of last season before being recalled by Walsall.

In November 2002 he signed permanently for The Stags who did not renew his contract at the end of last term.

Britton has watched Gadsby over a number of seasons and been impressed by the Sutton Coldfield-born player's qualities.

Britton, who has other new signings in the pipeline, has wasted little time in bolstering the Nationwide League Division Three side's defence which came under fire on a number of occasions last term.

They conceded sloppy goals in crucial games which led to their play-off hopes falling away.