KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' fans have helped to secure the signing of striker Joe Ironside from Nuneaton Town for an undisclosed five-figure fee.

The 23-year-old, with 18 goals already to his name this season, has agreed a long-term deal at Aggborough until the summer of 2019.

Ironside goes straight into the squad for tonight's Vanarama National League North match at Tamworth (7.45pm).

The former Sheffield United prospect played for Halifax Town and Harrogate Town on loan before moving to Afreton Town and then Nuneaton.

The transfer has been completed thanks to the Crowdfunder Give It 100% Campaign held earlier this year involving fans which raised £10,000.

Harriers chairman Colin Gordon said: “As a football club we are not cash-rich and as such without the Crowdfunder money we wouldn’t be able to bring Joe here.

“A lot of work has gone into signing him and our supporters should be in no doubt as to how much they’ve made this possible.

“Joe is a young and hungry footballer and was very highly sought after and we hope he cannot only be a big help in our push for promotion but also a big part of our future.”

Nuneaton manager Tommy Wright said: “It is a big loss to lose him for me personally and the football club as a whole.

“I’ve loved every minute of working with him and managing him. He is a credit to himself and his family.

“I can honestly say he is one of the nicest and most hard-working lads you could wish to meet and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

“He knows I want to manage him again one day and I am proud I managed to get the best out of him during the time we worked together here.

“If any player deserves a second chance at the Football League it’s him and Kidderminster are getting a top striker who is in form and full of confidence.”