Linnets defender Chris Smith joins Kettering

KETTERING have boosted their defence by signing centre-half Chris Smith from National League side King’s Lynn Town.

The former Ipswich Town, Chelmsford City and Aldershot Town defender is one of a trio of summer signings so far for boss Paul Cox.

The former Mansfield Town, Barrow and Torquay United manager has also signed goalkeeper Rhys Davies from Premier League side Leicester City and forward Jordan Crawford, who has joined from Corby Town.

Smith adds much needed experience to a Kettering squad that finished 18th in the curtailed National League North table last season, closing three points above the relegation zone after conceding 23 goals in 14 games.

Cox has confirmed that club legend club legend Brett Solkhon was released this week along with Michael Mc- Grath, Sam Jones, Ben Stephens and Jamie Chisholm.

Adam Collin, Ben Milnes and Ryan Fryatt all confirmed their own departures from Latimer Park as Cox shakes up his team ahead of the start of the new campaign on Saturday, August 14