WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley described centre-half Graham Hutchison as a "key signing" after confirming his return to the National League North club on a free transfer.

Hutchison, 23, who spent three separate loan spells at AFC Telford United from Halifax Town last season, was offered a deal by the Bucks but decided to join their league rivals.

Heeley said: "Graham is a player we signed a few seasons ago from Birmingham City. He's a great lad, loved his time here and we loved his presence and we're absolutely delighted to have him back.

"Graham moved on to Halifax, not long after our FA Cup exploits against Coventry and Scunthorpe, for a five-figure sum.

"He moved on while they were playing in the National League with our best wishes. We're over the moon to have Graham back on a free transfer after he spent last season on loan with Telford.

"We see him as a real key signing for the 2016-17 campaign."

Nottingham-based Hutchison joined Halifax for an undisclosed fee from Worcester in February last year.

The 23-year-old, a recruitment consultant off the pitch, spent two years with Heeley's side after signing from Birmingham.

Hutchison is a former Scotland under 17s international and has also played for Lincoln City.

Relegated Halifax will join Worcester in National League North next season.