The uncompromising defender was Ian Britton's last signing before the manager was sacked in October 2003 and cost Harriers a four-figure fee.

Hatswell has a second chance to impress in the Football League after leaving Oxford under Ian Atkins due to a lack of first-team football.

Particularly strong in the air, he was immediately made captain by the returning Jan Molby and leads by example with his never-say-die attitude.

After time with Witney and Cinderford, Swindon-born Hatswell caught the attention of scouts in a solid spell with Conference side Forest Green.

Mark Wright, manager at Oxford during the 2000-01 season when they were relegated from Division Two, paid out £35,000 to secure his services but Hatswell fell out of favour when Wright left.

Following 48 Football League appearances, he rejoined Wright at Chester on a free transfer in May 2002 and became an integral part of their miserly defence in the Conference.

But a disagreement with his manager led to Hatswell being transfer listed and he has joined Harriers on a contract until the end of the 2004-05 season.

League appearances/goals: Oxford (2000/01) 27, (01/02) 21.

This season: 33 games, 1 goal, 8 yellow cards (Chester 8 games, 1 goal, 1 yellow card).

Status: First-choice defender.

Average Shuttle rating: 7 (8 star man awards)