New Boro signing Chris Beardsley believes he has joined one of the biggest clubs outside the Football League following his move to The Lamex Stadium. The 25-year-old, who was released by Kettering at the end of the season, has signed a one-year deal to

New Boro signing Chris Beardsley believes he has joined "one of the biggest clubs outside the Football League" following his move to The Lamex Stadium.

The 25-year-old, who was released by Kettering at the end of the season, has signed a one-year deal to become the club's fourth signing of the summer in a move that sees him link up once again with Boro boss Graham Westley after their time together at Rushden and Diamonds.

Beardsley revealed to The Comet that he almost joined Stevenage towards the end of last season on loan to supplement the club's play-off assault but Junior Mendes was brought in instead.

However, Beardsley has remained on Westley's radar and the striker cannot wait to work alongside the 41-year-old again.

"I was on the verge of making the move three or four months ago but I've had to bide my time and I'm really pleased that it's happened now," said Beardsley.

"I've obviously worked with Graham before when I was at Rushden and I know what he expects from his players.

"Graham built a good team together and we did really well. He obviously did the same last season at Stevenage and it's an exciting time for the club.

"Stevenage are one of the biggest clubs outside of the Football League and it's a great opportunity for me."

Stevenage have moved quickly this summer to quell any lingering disappointment over the sale of Steve Morison to Millwall in a �130,000 deal.

Beardsley becomes the club's third forward signing following the arrivals of Charlie Griffin and Yemi Odubade and Boro's latest recruit believes the competition for places will bring the best out of him.

"Whenever you join a new club you know there are going to be four or five different strikers competing against you for a starting place," added Beardsley, who scored 16 goals in 67 appearances during his time at Kettering. "You need that competition to get the best out of each other.

"But there's pressure on everyone to score goals, not just the strikers. To be a successful side you need to have goals coming from everywhere.

"If everyone can chip in now and again then you will be challenging at the right end of the table."

Beardsley knows a lot of the Boro squad already having played alongside the likes of David Bridges, Michael Bostwick and Jon Ashton and believes he will settle quickly into his new surroundings.

He hopes he can help the club go one better than last season and finally win promotion to the Football League.

"I was keeping an eye out for their results towards the end of the season because I obviously knew that I could be going there," he added.

"They were really unlucky to be knocked out in the play-offs and they didn't deserve to go down to 10 men on both occasions. Unfortunately, it just proved a step too far for them."

"Hopefully, we can go a step further next season.