Following an injury to Sam Slocombe, we have completed the short-term signing of goalkeeper Luke Steele.
Steele, 36, joined Manchester United as a youngster and went on to represent the likes of Barnsley, Coventry, West Brom and Nottingham Forest in the Sky Bet Championship, as well making 66 appearances for Greek giants Panathanaikos.
And Ian Burchnall is delighted to add someone of his experience to fill the gap left by Slocombe.
“Sam injured his groin at the weekend,” said Burchnall. “He needs a scan but it looks like it’s going to be at least a couple of weeks, maybe a little bit longer.
“Luke Pilling has come into games and done well but it’s a risk to go into this stage of the season with only one senior goalkeeper. It would be a big ask for Tiernan Brooks to potentially step in at a high-pressure point of the season and I think some experience will really help the situation.
“Luke’s had an unbelievable career and people speak extremely highly of him.
“We’ve had to act really quickly – it’s not an easy market to pick someone up in - but I think we’ve done really well to bring him in.”
Steele, meanwhile, is delighted to be part of our push for promotion via the play-offs.
“This club is fighting for something very important, which is exciting,” said the keeper.
“I feel really energised and excited to get back into it. I can’t wait to get on the training pitch and see where I am from there.
“It’s been a really strange year for me. For personal reasons, I didn’t take the options that came my way in the summer, and then I was close to signing for my hometown club, Peterborough, only for it to be blocked by EFL rules.
“I feel absolutely fine physically and I believe 36 is a good age. I’ve been lucky enough to play at some really good clubs, and in the Europa League for three seasons, and I think everything I’ve learned is going to count for something.
“I want to pass on as much knowledge I can.”