Gladiators have a new King

King, 27, hails from Chesterfield and came through the ranks at Leicester City, signing a two-year professional contract with them back in 2008.

He has since played for a number of teams, including Hereford United, Northampton Town, AFC Telford United, Workshop Town, Buxton, Bradford Park Avenue, Salford City and Gainsborough Trinity.

Manager Dave Frecklington worked with King at both Worksop and Gainsborough.

Frecklington said: “I’m delighted to welcome Craig to the football club. He’s an excellent addition, one of those talents that loves to play on the front foot, got great feet and his assists for us last year at Gainsborough were phenomenal.

“His biggest asset is his work ethic and desire to win football matches. He’s a real crowd pleaser and lifts a stadium.

“Going forward we now have genuine quality in the wide areas and it’s the 3rd club we’ve worked together at.

“He trusts me and I trust Craig. To attract this kind of player to the football club shows that we ain’t happy to just stand still and accept the position we’re in.

“We’re all working 24/7 to get this right and I’d like to thank the Chairman Tom Wright and the board of Directors for there help in getting Kingy over the line.”

King, who turned down other clubs to join the Gladiators, goes straight in to the squad for Tuesday night’s EVO-STIK Premier Division clash with North Ferriby United.