Hampton & Richmond Borough chairman Steve McPherson has confirmed the capture of ex-Brentford defender Darren Powell.

The 35-year-old, who started his senior football career with the Beavers in 1997, finally agreed personal terms to return to the Beveree having been released by MK Dons in the summer.

Powell's spell at Griffin Park launched a lengthy career in the pro-ranks with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Southampton and Derby County.

Boss Mark Harper, who will put the centre back straight in to his squad for tomorrow's trip to Havant & Waterlooville, had the veteran in for training last week before rubber stamping the deal on Friday to ends weeks of will-he-won't-he speculation over the move.

Hampton fought off interest from other clubs to land their man and McPherson revealed it was the attraction of comnig to the club's Blue Square South relegation rescue that appealed to the former Bee.

“Other clubs were interested in him, but Darren wanted to help lift the club away from the bottom of the table," he said.

"His knowledge and experience will be important to a young side in the run in to the end of the season.”