Alfreton Town have signed highly-rated left-sided defender Connor Franklin from Blue Square Bet North rivals Hinckley United.
The 23-year-old has joined on a two-year contract for an undisclosed four-figure fee.
He had undergone trials with both Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers in the summer but it is Alfreton who have swooped to land him.
A former Leicester City apprentice, Franklin joined Hinckley in May 2008 from Nuneaton Borough where he won the Supporters' Player of the Season in his first campaign.
Reds manager Nicky Law stressed that Franklin's arrival is not as a replacement for the recently departed Kyle McFadzean.
He said: "Connor Franklin isn't a straight swap for Kyle McFadzean, he is someone we have been trying to tie up a deal with for a month and we are delighted to bring him to the Impact Arena."
