CAPTAIN Mark Roberts has left Stevenage after five years at the club, signing for Fleetwood Town on a free transfer this evening (Wednesday).

The Comet: Mark Roberts. Photo: Harry HubbardMark Roberts. Photo: Harry Hubbard (Image: Archant)

The 29-year-old was out of contract following the end of the season and has now committed his future to the League Two outfit.

Speaking to Fleetwood Town’s official website, Roberts, who made just under 200 appearance for Boro, said: “I was massively impressed with this club from the first moment. Joining Fleetwood is an exciting prospect and I jumped at the chance after seeing the plans and hearing the chairman’s vision.

“I’m an ambitious person and an ambitious player. The manager and chairman have shown me this club is geared to success and I want to play my role in that success with Fleetwood Town.”

Roberts’ first appearance for the Lancashire club could come tomorrow night (Thursday) when Fleetwood visit Northwich Victoria – where Roberts learned his trade – in a pre-season friendly.

The central defender added: “It’s bizarre how football turns out sometimes. I grew-up in Northwich and they were the first team I ever played for as a 10-year-old. I’m sure a great deal has changed but it will be good to go back.”

Roberts joined Stevenage on loan from Northwich Victoria in January 2008, before making the move permanent a year later.

In September 2009 he was made club captain, guiding Boro to promotion to the Football League for the first time the following summer.

Roberts, who also lifted the League Two play-off trophy at Old Trafford, had two spells as caretaker manager after the departures of Graham Westley in January 2012 and Gary Smith in March this year.