A former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, the highly sought after 26-year-old - who can also operate at left-back - began life at Hillsborough as a scholar and was one of only three to be offered a first professional contract back in 2015 having impressed for the under-18s.

He later went on to sign for Gainsborough Trinity in the National League North – then managed by Dom Roma – before moves to Boston United and Matlock Town, prior to joining Frickley Athletic in 2020, where he played under our assistant manager Dave Frecklington.

Brief spells at Maltby Main and Stocksbridge Park Steels came in between but now Beatson adds more competition for places at Greenwich Avenue as we prepare for the home Southern League fixture against Rushall Olympic on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

On the move, he said: “It feels good to put pen-to-paper at Basford and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve had a chance to meet the lads and full focus is now on Saturday.

“I spoke to Frecks [Dave Frecklington] who let me know there had been a 7-day approach.

“I’ve played here before and it’s a great set-up, so I’m naturally delighted with the interest and once I had a chat with the gaffer it was a bit of a no-brainer for me.

“I’m a left-sided defender; a centre-half by trade but can play at left-back if need be. I like to try and play but – aside from that – do what it says on the tin, head it, kick it and keep as many clean sheets as possible”.

Manager Mark Clifford added: “We were on the lookout for a ball playing centre back and did look at Brad during pre-season, but the timing wasn’t right, but now he fits exactly what we’re after.

“He’s also a left-sided defender, which will give us excellent balance in our defensive shape, and we’ve already been impressed with him.

“At only 26, he already has plenty of experience for his age and he will be a great addition for us.”

Our home clash with Rushall at the weekend comes at an important time for non-league football during the World Cup period and we’re throwing back the prices for the occasion.

ADULTS: £9
CONCESSIONS: £7
STUDENTS/U16s: £3
FAMILY OF FOUR: £15
PROFESSIONAL CLUB SEASON TICKET: £7