MANAGER John Snape revealed how he had been required to act quickly to snap up sought-after Bromsgrove Sporting legend Aaron Roberts.

The 27-year-old full-back, the club-record appearance maker with 235 competitive outings according to Sporting’s official website, has signed for City until the end of this season.

Roberts, involved in two league championship wins, two further promotions, three cup triumphs and a run to the semi-final of the FA Vase while with the Rouslers, racked up 25 games having stepped up to Southern League football but left earlier this month due to believing his playing time would be limited.

That saw Snape spring into action with a successful bid to bring much-needed experience to a City squad decimated by players moving to higher levels.

“There was interest in Aaron and I knew had to act quickly so I contacted Brendan (Kelly, Bromsgrove manager) immediately when I heard he would be moving on,” said Snape.

“He will add leadership in the dressing room as much as on the pitch. He is a winner and that shines through from his career at Bromsgrove where he is held in very high regard, quite rightly as well.

“There are never any guarantees but hopefully he will be involved with us until the end of the season, minimum. We will take things from there.

“It is the end of a big chapter for Aaron and I can understand him keeping his options open in the long term. I am just over the moon to secure him for this season.”

Roberts goes straight into City's squad for tomorrow’s Midland Football League Premier Division trip to AFC Wulfrunians (3pm).

The hosts sit eighth in the table, four points clear of Worcester but having played three matches more. They have lost their past two and this match sees them play at home for the first time since February 9.

Dual-registered City defender Nyeko Sinclair has been recalled by Redditch United with playmaker James Baldwin set to turn out for Pershore Town again this weekend but Joel Caines returns from injury. Long-term absentee Jamie Smith remains sidelined.

“Nyeko returns to Redditch due to their list of injuries and suspensions, that is disappointing but a part of the agreement we had in place when he signed,” Snape added.

“I know Darren (Goodall, Wulfrunians manager) very well, I played with him at Halesowen so I know his professional approach.

“He has worked hard there and done well this season, they are above us in the league and our aim is more than to just be competitive. We need three points."

On Baldwin, Snape said: “James had a game for Pershore last week and will again this week to build up his match fitness, he remains very much part of our plans.”