Kidderminster Harriers have announced the signing of an experienced EFL defender.

Paul Downing, who has made nearly 400 senior appearances in the competition, has signed a one-year contract with the club.

The 32-year-old began his career at West Bromwich Albion, and made over 180 starts for Walsall in League One between 2012 and 2015, and later played for Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth.

Read more: Kidderminster Harriers: Alex Penny and Tom Palmer stay

Downing briefly trained with Harriers last summer before moving into non-league with Hereford, where he played over 30 times in league and cup action as they pushed towards the playoffs .

His signing makes him manager Phil Brown's first new acquisition of the season.

Downing said: "It’s a club I’ve followed throughout my career, living locally, and the club have shown a lot of interest over the summer.

"Coming in a bit for pre-season last year, I know a few of the lads already and I’m just itching to get started.

"For the club, coming down from the division above, we’ll hopefully be looking to be at the top end again but that's going to take a lot of hard work and everyone on the same page.

"Hopefully, I can play my part, I’m really looking forward to it."