COUNTY boss Carlton Palmer has beaten Stoke City and local rivals Oldham Athletic in the race to sign one of non-league football's most imposing centre backs.

Palmer has been looking to sign a defender to compete with Rob Clare and Dave Challinor and he has finally got his man with the signing of 22-year-old Gateshead centre half Rob Jones.

At 6'7', Jones will certainly add presence to County's back line and if the description of him as 'strong in the air and in the tackle' on Gateshead's official site holds up he could prove an excellent addition.

Waiting game

However, County fans will have to wait until next season for a sighting of the giant defender in the first team, as his move for an undisclosed fee came after Friday's transfer deadline.

Speaking of the transfer, Gateshead chairman Mike Coulson told the club's official site: 'Rob is a smashing lad both on and off the pitch. He is one of the most genuine people you could wish to meet and I'm delighted that he has made it into the full-time game.

'The loyalty that he has shown to us has been commendable and whilst we will miss him immensely, we wish him the best of luck in his attempts to be a success in the Football League with Stockport.'

Did County need a new centre back? Have your say.

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