Lowestoft Town's search for a new defender has finally borne fruit after Sam Nunn signed a two-year deal with the Blues from Needham Market for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old goes straight into the squad for this afternoon's clash against FC United at Crown Meadow to bring some much needed experience to the Trawlerboys' backline.

Rossi Jarvis and Jack Ainsley have been operating as a makeshift centre half pairing following the departures of Sam Gaughran and Curtis Haynes-Brown over the summer alongside injuries to Scott Mitchell (groin) and Dan Gleeson (back). Gallagher admitted the addition of Nunn has come as something of a relief.

'He's a player that has played against us on a number of occasions and he's always impressed us,' said Gallagher, pictured..

'In every way he fits the profile of players that we've been looking for. It's been a very difficult search at times but we are delighted to bring Sam on board.'

Nunn will be familiar to many players in the Lowestoft squad from their battles with him when the Blues came up against Bury in the Ryman League Premier.

'He's someone we've been aware of for a long time and he's got a really good pedigree,' added Gallagher. 'He's a strong, uncompromising defender and he's got a great attitude alongside ambition. He will go straight into the squad for Saturday.

'I'd just like to thank Needham Market for their co-operation in getting the deal done. They have been excellent throughout the whole process.'

Nunn joins a Lowestoft squad fresh from arresting a run of three consecutive defeats with draws against Corby and North Ferriby. The Blues currently sit on eight points after seven games and Gallagher admitted he feels his side's performances have merited more.

'I'm really pleased with how we are developing – I'm not pleased with how many points we've picked up because I feel our performances have warranted more,' said Gallagher. 'We're having to ask players to play out of position at the moment and they have shown a tremendous attitude in doing that.

'They are doing a job for the team – and the performance level has been very good. We just haven't always managed to pick up the points we deserve.'

Ryan Jarvis has been one of the players moved out of his preferred position so far this season but that didn't stop the former Norwich City man grabbing his first goal for the club last weekend in rescuing a point against Corby.

'He played down the middle against North Ferriby and in other games he has been doing a great job for the team (on the right),' added Gallagher. 'He really is a model footballer to deal with and he's just one of the lads that has shown a great attitude.'

Mitchell (groin) and Adam Smith (Achilles) will both miss today's clash although Rossi Jarvis has shrugged off a knock and is available for selection.