WORCESTER City have swooped to sign centre-half Joe Hawkins from Cradley Town.

The defender will not feature for City tonight in the Midland League Premier Division at Long Eaton United.

But Hawkins could make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup preliminary qualifying round tie at league rivals Heather St John's.

The cup clash has been moved to 12.30pm for BBC coverage.

A City spokesman said: "Joe played against us in pre-season and impressed all with his no-nonsense defending and seven days were duly submitted on July 24.

"We were at the time told that Joe had signed a contract with Cradley so cooled our interest but information came to light recently that Joe had decided not to sign the contract for various reasons and he was keen to join City.

"With the deadline of Thursday to complete the signing of Joe we moved quickly this week to secure his signature."

Hawkins captained Cradley who play in the West Midlands League Premier Division one level below City.