AFC Sudbury have completed a big signing, by securing the services of veteran striker Paul Hayes on a two-year deal.

The experienced Hayes has racked up more than 500 games for Football League clubs during a distinguished career, most notably at Scunthorpe United, where he scored a huge number of goals and was very prollific – 78 goals in 282 appearances for The Iron.

Now aged 34, Hayes should be very effective at Bostik North level with Sudbury, and his capture is certainly a coup for manager Mark Morsley.

“We were looking for a presence in the front-line, and Paul Hayes will certainly provide us with that,” enthused Morsley this morning.

“Sometimes you have to hold your nerve, when it comes to new signings, because things can happen later in the summer, which is what has happened with my contacts and with the signing of Paul.

“He should help out our younger lads at the club.

“We are still waiting on international clearance, because he played for Newport County last season, so he is not likely to play at Tilbury this weekend.

“But he hasn’t trained with the group yet, so that he gives him time to hopefully make his debut in our next game, at home to Heybridge Swifts,” added Morsley.