WORCESTER City have swooped to sign utility player Neil Cartwright following his shock release from Blue Square Bet North rivals Corby Town.

The 28-year-old, who can play on both wings or in either full-back roles, signed for the Northamptonshire outfit last month but was released because they had too many players.

Corby’s loss has proved to be City’s gain with manager Carl Heeley bringing the player, who made nearly 400 appearances for Hinckley United, to St George’s Lane.

Cartwright, who is recovering from a broken toe, also scored 28 goals for the Knitters and would have been in his testimonial season before his brief stay at Corby.

He will be joined by striker Danny Glover and winger Simon Richman in the squad ahead of tomorrow’s final friendly against Evesham United after both also agreed deals.

Manager Heeley said: “I have played with Neil at Hinckley and I know his character very well. He’s versartile and can play on either flank and is comfortable at full-back.

“His versatility and ability will be a massive plus to the squad.

“He’s got a lot of experience in the league we are going into and I’m overjoyed at getting him. I feel he’s a great acqusition.”

“Hopefully, he will be able to play some part tomorrow.”

Twenty-year-old Glover has put pen to paper after impressing in pre-season, including two goals in the 4-1 victory over AFC Liverpool.

Fellow ex-Port Vale trainee Richman, also 20, played in that game and against Stoke City and has been given the nod over former Hereford United winger Craig Jones.

Goalkeeper Mark Wright has also been registered as back-up to Tim Sandercombe after playing in the Central Conference for City last season. Their signatures take the number of players in the squad to 20 and complete Heeley’s summer spending.

Meanwhile, Marc McGregor’s inclusion comes after proving his fitness during the pre-season programme.

The former Weston-super-Mare striker, scorer of eight goals last term, was given the summer to get in shape and Heeley is pleased with his efforts.

“I think it’s unrealistic to expect Marc to be 11 or 12 stone and go darting into channels because he’s never done that — even when he was in the prime of his career,” the City boss added.

“But he adds a different dimension to the side. He brings experience and he’s a natural finisher so it’s important to have him available.”