Chelmsford City manager Dean Holdsworth has made his first signing after sealing a deal for experienced midfielder Nicky Nicolau.
The 29-year-old was a free agent after leaving Conference Premier Lincoln this summer – where he had played under Holdsworth's twin brother David.
The left-sided player began his career as a trainee at Arsenal, but is probably best known from his time at Barnet, where he made more than 80 Football League appearances between 2006 and 2009.
He has also played for Southend, Swindon and Hereford, but since leaving Barnet he has been in non-league where he has represented Woking, Dover and Boreham Wood.
He joined the Imps under former Southend boss Steve Tilson in 2011, but was released at the end of last season.
Holdsworth said: "Nicky played 40-odd games in the Conference National last season and he's got great experience.
"I've been impressed with his appetite for the game and how he wanted to get his football sorted with Chelmsford City early for next season.
"Nicky can play at left-back or left midfield and he'll be a great asset. Some of our other players are receiving lucrative offers from big spenders elsewhere but I'm working within our budget to build the best possible squad."
You can read a full interview with Holdsworth and Clarets chairman Mansell Wallace in Thursday's Essex Chronicle.
