DEFENDER Gary Bowles is back at the Avenue after the Magpies confirmed he has re-joined the club.

The former Yeovil Town and AFC Bournemouth defender joins the county town side once again as manager Craig Laird continues to bolster his squad.

Bowles, who also featured under former boss Mark Jermyn for a brief period last season, is expected to be involved when the Magpies host Dunstable Town on Saturday (3pm).

Manager Laird said: “Gary I think is going to be an important signing for us to help strengthen the defence and maybe help to replace Chris Dillon.

“Looking at his football abilities he is a top player and wouldn’t have gone on and played at some of the club’s he has done if he didn’t have any talent.

“Hopefully he will come in and make us a better side because we need to be better than what we are doing.”