Steve Foster has returned to his roots by signing a one-year deal with Blue Square Bet Premier club Mansfield Town along with another experienced defender in Kevin Sandwith.
Thirty-five-year-old Foster, who started here as a trainee in the early 1990s, has racked up over 600 appearances in a career lasting almost two decades.
He is best known from his days at Bristol Rovers and Doncaster Rovers, where he was a key figure in two successive promotions with the Yorkshire club. In 2007, he lifted the title with Scunthorpe United.
Foster said: "I am delighted to be here. As a Mansfield supporter, I know how much this club means to the fans and the community.
"I managed to see the Stags away at Gateshead last season and sat with them in the pouring rain on a wet and windy Tuesday December night. They are desperate for this club to be back in the Football League and so am I," he added.
Manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: "Steve has a wealth of experience and will bring a great determination and knowledge to our defence. His leadership qualities will shine through."
Veteran Sandwith has also put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old, who began his career with Carlisle United, has made over 300 appearances in a career spanning fifteen years.
He lists seven other clubs on his CV including Oxford United, where he played last season, making twenty-two appearances.
Holdsworth added: "Along with Chris Smith, Kevin shows the attributes of reliability and durability. He brings great knowledge to our back four."
"He is a focused and professional individual," he added.
