Former Cheltenham, Solihull and Kidderminster defender drafted in to boost Town's survival battle

Experienced defender Lee Vaughan has linked up with Stratford Town until the end of the season, opting to sign for relegation-batting Bards rather than teams at the other end of the Southern League Premier Central table.

The former Cheltenham Town, Barnet, Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers 36-year-old started the season at league rivals Stourbridge but left the club earlier this month along with striker Reece Styche who has since joined Northern Premier outfit Matlock Town.

Vaughan explained that his decision to join the Bards was due to the club's ambitious plans and his links with the manager.

He said: "I had offers from clubs at the opposite end of the table but, weighing up my options, this is something that means a lot to me. I am very close to the manager and have a lot of respect for the chairman [Jed McCrory] and the football club and I want to do everything I can to keep them in the league. At this time in my career I needed something to really get me going and this is it.

"You can see what the club are trying to do and what they are trying to build but at the moment for me there is only one goal and that is staying in the division.

"I'm an honest player and I will give everything I can to get results. Stratford have a young group and some fantastic players so I will add to the experience that the likes of Paul McCone can offer. I look after myself and keep fit so I'm up for the challenge."