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The 34-year-old Hoyle was at Ikeston Town last season but turned down a new deal at the New Manor Ground but agreed to move to the Moat Ground having rejected offers from a number of other clubs, including Grantham Town.

Manager Gary Norton is delighted to have secured the services of the former Burton Albion defender and said: "We agreed terms with Colin and I'm delighted but quite surprised we got him as he could have earned more money elsewhere.

"He thinks he has two or three seasons left in him, he wanted a fresh challenge and he likes our ambition - he also knows a few our players, particularly David Holmes.

"Colin has shown us that he is not just coming here for money, he wants to achieve a bit of success, and I hope it sends a message out to supporters of what we want to achieve next season."

Norton believes Hoyle has all the qualities he has been searching for since experienced central defender Chris Brindley left to join Halesowen Town.

"Colin has been with successful sides and he knows how to win promotion," said Norton. "He is a nice guy off the pitch, but whenever I have watched him, when he crosses that white line, he is like a man possessed.

"He will rile his team-mate up in terms of rallying them and I would say he will bring a controlled aggression. I particularly think Matt Millns will benefit and he is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Colin.

"We now have three centre-halves in Colin, Matt and Andy Simpson, but I would maybe look to bring another one in. However, we are already quite a step ahead of where we were a year ago having signed Colin and agreed a deal with Paul Edwards."