KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have made their third new signing of the summer with talented defender Paul Bignot agreeing a two-year deal after leaving League One side Crewe Alexandra.

The 21-year old is back at Aggborough after impressing at the club during a brief loan spell early last season.

With the spell cut short by suspension, Bignot was later recalled to Crewe's first team and went on to make 15 appearances for Dario Gradi's men.

A product of the Alex youth system, Bignot - brother of former Kidderminster favourite Marcus - had been offered a new contract to stay with Crewe but the versatile youngster turned down the offer.

Bignot, who can play anywhere along the back-line, also snubbed other interests from Football League sides to sign with Harriers ahead of the new Blue Square Premier Season.

Harriers boss Mark Yates said: "We're delighted to have Paul on board, he's an exceptional defender and I'm sure he'll be a great asset for us.

"He comes from a great footballing background at Crewe and we know what he's all about. He can and has played at a higher level and I'm sure he can only keep getting better."

The Harriers management were also delighted that the deal to sign Bignot was part-funded by the Red Army Fund - a supporters' group set up to help raise extra funds for exactly such purposes.

Yates added: "I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Red Army Fund - we are trying to use this money in the right way and I think with this quality of player we're doing just that."

Bignot joins fellow new signings Andy Ferrell and Justin Richards at Aggborough and his contract with Harriers comes into effect from July 1.