Centre-back Hood signs

Hinckley AFC have completed the signing of experienced former Division One title-winning centre-back Jamie Hood.

Hood has spent the last three-and-a-bit seasons with Atherstone Town, captaining them to the Division One title in 2021/22 and playing a further 38 times as they made their Premier Division bow last term.

He took up the vacant managerial role at Sheepy Road over the summer, with former Hinckley favourite Sam Belcher his assistant, but left his post last month.

And AFC Joint Manager Joe Conneely says he and Courtney Hunter-Belford were quick to make a move.

He said: “He’s an out and out leader. We’re delighted to get him in, he still wants to play and has the hunger to do it.

“It didn’t work out for him managing at Atherstone but he’s still got the bit between his teeth to be out on the pitch. He’s been successful in this league and much higher levels.

“We’ve struggled defensively in the last two weeks which was disappointing but Jamie can help us get through those spells.”

After playing for Atherstone and Gresley Rovers as a youngster, he played a couple of times for Hinckley United in 2007/08 before returning to Gresley, where he was club captain.

He also spent time with Halesowen Town and Barwell but arguably his most successful time came with Leamington, where he was also club captain for a time and helped them to two promotions across two spells, with more than 300 appearances.

He left them to join Nuneaton Borough midway through 2019/20 and remained with his hometown team until joining Atherstone.

We’d like to thank Atherstone for their help in getting the deal done.

Welcome to Hinckley, Jamie!

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