CONFERENCE North outfit Gloucester City has secured the services of Shortwood United right-back Sam Avery.

The 6’2’’ defender played a major part in Shortwood’s successful FA Cup run which culminated in a first round defeat to League One side Port Vale live on television.

Avery is a product of the Gloucester City youth system but moved to further his football education at Chipping Norton and Bishops Cleeve before joining Tigers legend Alex Sykes at Meadowbank.

During his youth stint at the club, Sam was the first recipient of the Pete Chase Bursary, awarded to an outstanding young player in the Tigers youth ranks.

Gloucester City manager Tim Harris is thrilled to welcome the 25-year-old back into the Tigers set-up.

Harris said: “Sam has developed into a consistent performer and I am delighted to have secured his services for the new season.”

“We are delighted to welcome Sam into the fold as we look to forward to the coming season.”