The 26-year-old centre-half made 21 appearances for SkyBet League One outfit Gillingham in 2018/19, scoring once, and joins the ranks following a successful trial period.

Lacey has plenty of EFL experience having played in both the third and fourth tier since making his senior debut in 2011 for Luton Town.

He is also no stranger to non-League football, having had loan spells with the likes of Cambridge City, Thurrock, Eastbourne Borough and Eastleigh.

He trained with Bury ahead of the current campaign after leaving Yeovil Town, but their off-field problems meant they were unable to offer him a contract.

Following Sam Graham’s season-ending injury in September, Lacey adds to manager Neal Ardley’s options at centre back.

Ardley told https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk: “We looked at him in the summer and held some discussions but, with Bury in for him, League One was obviously appealing.

“He’s a very good option. He’s bright, clever, mobile and athletic. He reads the game really well and isn't bad on the ball either.

“He’s a good centre half who adds competition in a position I felt we needed because of the hole Sam’s injury left us with.

“He’s been promoted out of this league with Luton and, because we’d done our homework on him already, bringing him in seemed the right thing to do”.