St Neots Town manager David Batch has completed a deal for a Southern League Premier Division title-winning defender.

Batch has handed former Leicester City youngster Jamie Anton a deal for the 2015/16 season following an impressive trial. Anton was part of the Corby Town squad that claimed Premier Division glory last term.

Batch said: “Jamie has a good background and played a lot of football for the title-winning team at our level last season.

“Players tend to either have potential of the experience of winning things, but in Jamie we get both and that really excites me.

“We now have a group of four-or-five players who are capable of progressing into full-time football over the next couple of years.

“In the meantime we want them to help us progress as a club and there is no reason why that won’t happen.”

Batch has all-but-admitted defeat in his bid to retain the services of another defender, Mat Mitchel-King.

The 31 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has received a host of offers from higher levels.

Batch added: “We’re still talking to Mat, but I’m not expecting him to return.

“He has been offered the sort of money that I am not prepared to - and don’t have to - compete with. We have plenty of options defensively and in midfield.”

St Neots entertain League Two side Stevenage at the newly-named Premier Plus Stadium in a friendly tonight (7.45pm).