THE SADDLERS have today completed our first signing of the summer with Mark Hughes arriving from Northampton Town.

The 22 year-old is a strong central defender who is comfortable on the ball and can also play in midfield when required. He came through the ranks at Everton before making a handful of senior outings for the Merseyside club..

He joined Northampton, via a loan spell at Stockport County, in January 2007 and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for The Cobblers, during which time he became a popular figure both on and off-the-field.

"We are delighted with this acquisition," said manager, Chris Hutchings. "Mark is a leader and a talker who has been captain of both Northampton and Everton reserves prior to that.

"We have had him watched regularly and received plenty of good feedback; he uses the ball well and arrives here at the right age ready to fill the void left by Anthony Gerrard's recent departure.

"This is the first of what we hope will be a number of new signings as we continue to work hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad."