Sturgess, who was part of last season's Bedworth United's play-off winning squad, has the ability to play at both centre-back and in central midfield which will give the Nailers more versatility as we head into another gruelling season.

Ahead of signing for Belper, Sturgess learnt his trade as a youngster at Burton Albion before wearing the jersey for a host of teams such as Kettering Town, Carlton Town and Kidsgrove Athletic ahead of joining the Greenbacks.

Manager Grant Black told the club`s website:  "Jacob is a player I've been speaking to for a while now.

"He's fit, strong and fits into how we will look to play.

"He's a big character for the team and we saw that straight away in his first session.

"He's a leader and we want as many of those as we can get. He is a major signing for us and we are delighted he has chosen Belper."

After signing on the dotted line, Sturgess said: "I’m very pleased to have signed for Belper and look forward to working with Grant and the rest of the squad to get this club back to where it belongs".