Moors have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of experienced centre-back Tom Broadbent on a deal until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old centre-back has most recently been wearing the colours of Tow Law Town after ending a three-year stint with South Shields at the end of last season.

Basingtstoke-born Broadbent came through the ranks at Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth before making a senior debut for Bognor Regis Town in National League North at just 16.

After spells with various non-league clubs, Broadbent joined the Army at 19, serving as a Lance Bombardier in the Royal Artillery and spending five months in Afghanistan in 2014.

In 2017 he left the Army to turn professional in League One with Bristol Rovers and he enjoyed two seasons with The Gas before making a switch to Swindon Town.

Broadbent joined Eastleigh in 2021 but, after relocating to the North East, he took up the opportunity to sign for Shields with whom he won promotion from the Northern Premier League and was a regular in National League North.

“Tom brings vast experience and leadership to the group,” said Moors boss Graeme Lee.

“He knows the league very well and he’s fit and ready to go so it’s a signing we’re delighted to have been able to push through.

“He’s the kind of player and character we want to have at the Club, and we know he’s going to become a real asset for us during the season run-in.”

Broadbent has been handed squad number 18 and will go straight into contention to make his Moors debut in the game against Peterborough Sports on Saturday.