AFC Telford United sign ex-Stockport defender Blackburn

Blackburn left Wrexham as he wanted to play in defence rather than midfield

AFC Telford United have signed defender Chris Blackburn on a free transfer after he was released by Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Stockport.

The 29-year-old is the first of several arrivals expected at Telford this week.

Blackburn, whose former clubs include Chester, Swindon, Aldershot and Wrexham, helped Morecambe win promotion to the Football League in 2007.

The centre-half left Aldershot for Wrexham in June 2010 but was released in August the following year.

Blackburn was transfer listed by then-Wrexham boss Dean Saunders after he was not guaranteed a starting role in his preferred position.

Telford have released five fringe players - Craig Farrell, Levi Reid, James Reid, Craig King and Lee Evans - as manager Andy Sinton looks to bring in more to his squad.

Reid has since joined Gainsborough until the end of the season.