Harrogate Town sign defender Paul Heckingbottom

Heckingbottom will bring experience to a young Harrogate Town squad

Harrogate Town have signed experienced defender Paul Heckingbottom.

The 34-year old started as a youth player at Manchester United before signing for Sunderland in 1996.

He had loan spells at Scarborough, Hartlepool United and Darlington, where he moved permanently, before joining Norwich City.

Heckingbottom's other clubs include Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and latterly Gateshead, who released him at the end of last season.

He joins centre-half Danny Stimpson, who has also signed for the club.

Stimpson, 21, started his career as a youth player for Huddersfield Town before moving to York City.

From there he went to play in Sweden and on his return to England had a trial at Luton Town.

Two members of last year's squad, Matthew Bloomer and Richard Pell, have also agreed new terms.