The 20-year-old, who lists Notts County, Ilkeston Town, Basford United and most recently Melton Town as his former clubs has linked up with the Red Badgers on a permanent basis after a brief spell with Pork Pies at the beginning of this season.

A central defender, Irvine signed as a professional at Meadow Lane under then-boss Neal Ardley, before a move to Ilkeston Town before subsequently joining Basford United.

One half of the management duo Daryll Thomas added: “I am delighted to get TJ (Stern) over the line, I’ve known and played against him over the last 3/4 years whilst at Carlton Town when he was at Ilkeston Town he is an absolute monster of a centre half with some really good experience at mainly Step 3 & 4 playing for Ilkeston Town and most recently Basford United.”

“We have made no secret over the last few weeks that we need to be better defensively so when the opportunity presented itself we couldn’t turn it down - between Rom, Tyreece and TJ we have a really solid foundation at CB, now we have to figure out which two are going to take us to the next level.”

“He hasn’t played a great deal of football this season so we’ll see him eased in gradually.”

Welcome to Coronation Park Stern ??

Stern is registered and eligible to face Easington Sports tomorrow afternoon.