HARRIERS have signed experienced former Walsall man James Baxendale ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old has close to 200 senior appearances to his name at Football League level, comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or further forward.

Born near Doncaster, he racked up a century of those games whilst with the Saddlers and, after a spell with Mansfield, spent much of last season in the US before returning to England with Alfreton at the back end of last season.

Baxendale has penned a short-term deal with Harriers having already spent the better part of three weeks training with the squad since they returned at the back end of last month.

“When he came to the fore, James was somebody I wanted to try and get in,” said boss Neil MacFarlane “We’ve done that, and we’re absolutely delighted.

“Even this early, his attitude has been infectious and he’s been a great boy around the place and he has married into the team spirit and attitude that this group has already and I think he’ll bring a lot to us this season.”