WORCESTER City joint-manager Carl Heeley believes new arrival Darren Campion is the best left-back in National League North.

Campion was City’s first signing for next season as Worcester beat off competition from other clubs to recruit the former Hednesford Town skipper.

The tenacious defender has enjoyed four successful campaigns at Hednesford.

“Darren, in my opinion, is the best left-back in the league,” said Heeley.

“He was high on our list of priorities this summer and we are delighted he wanted to come and join the club after stiff competition for his signature.”

Campion was a youth-teamer at Birmingham City before playing four League One games for Carlisle United.

He then turned out for Solihull Moors and Redditch United before clocking up more than 200 appearances at Hednesford.

City have also signed centre-backs Alex Gudger from Rugby Town and Clayton McDonald, the former Redditch United player, and striker Ryan Rowe from Brackley Town.

City have high hopes for 22-year-old Gudger.

“He’s played a fair bit of first-team football and he’s still only 22,” said Heeley.

“We spoke at the end of last season. He is a naturally left-footed centre-back and we now have two with him and Shab Khan.

“Left-footed centre-halves are like gold dust. He was on the edge of the Nuneaton side and had to go away and learn about first-team football with Rugby.

“He’s now had three seasons at Rugby and captained them, which says a lot about Alex’s character. We are very pleased to have him on board.”

Heeley is also excited about former Kidderminster Harriers striker Rowe, a prolific scorer at Stourbridge.

“He lives locally and I have tried to sign him a couple of times in the past,” said Heeley.

“I have known him for a number of years and I’m delighted we’ve got our man.”