NATHAN Vaughan is poised to be Worcester City’s number one goalkeeper next season after becoming the club’s latest signing.

The 32-year-old has opted to join the Blue and Whites for the 2014-15 campaign after turning down an offer to stay at Kidderminster Harriers.

Jose Veiga, City’s mainstay between the posts last season, is expected to stay on at the Skrill North club, possibly in a coaching capacity, and to provide competition.

Manager Carl Heeley is keen to have two competent keepers on his books and avoid a repeat of the disruption which saw 10 custodians registered during the last campaign.

Although 37-year-old Veiga made 33 appearances, City struggled for back-up when the Portuguese picked up calf and knee injuries, forcing them into a series of short-term loans.

The Worcester boss said: “It was an area we wanted to address. I have always held Nathan in high regard and I have known him for a long time and I think he’s one of, if not the best, keeper in non-league in the Midlands.

“The opportunity to sign him was one I felt we couldn’t pass up.

“We need two keepers who are both good enough to play in Conference North.

“He wants to play regularly but go part-time and work as well so I felt we could help him out.

“I am delighted we have been able to do a deal with him. It’s a great signing.”

Former Evesham keeper Vaughan is no stranger to Aggborough having spent two seasons with Harriers, making 28 appearances.

His arrival comes after captain Ellis Deeney, player-of-the-year George Williams, Tyler Weir and Graham Hutchison agreed one-year deals with the club.

It means Heeley has been able to retain the services of a defensive unit that kept 19 clean sheets in all competitions last season.

He said: “We always knew we had a good base last season and we didn’t want to fix something that wasn’t broken. We have managed to tie them up and add a keeper as well that I feel improves us.

“Considering the number of keepers we had and how unsettled it was, our defensive record was incredible.”