SHORTWOOD have completed the signing of Ben Snook from Hellenic Premier Division Fairford Town.

Snook, a former Brimscombe captain and Cinderford Town midfielder is expected to go straight into the Nailsworth side’s team to face Tuffley Rovers in the FA Vase at Meadowbank on Saturday.

Shortwood co-manager Matt Blythe insists Snook will add vital experience to a predominantly youthful squad.

“It’s great to get to Ben signed on,” said Blythe. “We feel we probably lack a bit of experience within the squad. We’ve got a very young group and hardly any Hellenic league experience in the team and Ben has played Hellenic Prem football pretty much all his career.

“We’re very mindful of who we bring in now, but Ben fits the profile of what we were looking for. He has lots of quality and still has a great deal to offer. I’m sure he’ll be good signing for the club.”

Snook’s former Fairford Town boss Jody Bevan admitted he was sad to see the midfielder leave Cinder Lane.

He said: “I’m sad to see him go, but he wants to be starting week-in-week-out and I couldn't guarantee that at the moment.

“We wish him all the very best and he'll always be welcome at Fairford.”