WEYMOUTH boss Jason Tindall has confirmed that former Arsenal and Watford midfielder Paolo Vernazza will put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Wessex Stadium later today.

The 27-year-old, pictured below, trained with the Terras last week and Tindall is delighted with his capture.

He said: "Paolo should be signing with us before we fly out to Croatia from Gatwick later this afternoon.

"I have known him for a number of years and he has turned down several other offers, some from League clubs, to come down here.

"He came down here for a couple of days last Thursday and Friday and he liked what he saw. He immediately got on with the rest of the lads and he likes the way that we are trying to play football."

Tindall believes the acquisition of Vernazza proves the club's ambition.

He added: "The fact that we have captured someone of Paolo's experience and ability just proves that we are going in the right direction.

"Over the last couple of seasons he has been at clubs that have not been right for him and have not played the style of football that suits him but I am sure he will thrive with us and be a great signing.

"His experience will no doubt help some of the youngsters and I have spoken to a lot of people about him and they all say the same thing and that is what a class player he is."

Vernazza began his career as a trainee at Arsenal where he made 12 first-team appearances, including an outing as a substitute against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in November 2000.

While with the Gunners he enjoyed loan spells at Ipswich Town and Portsmouth before Watford signed him for £350,000 in December 2000.

The Islington-born playmaker made 107 outings for the Hornets but left in 2004 for Rotherham United where he went out on loan to Barnet.

A move to Dagenham & Redbridge followed that last December but he only made 10 outings for the Conference National champions, six of which came from the bench.