A DEFENDER with "bags of potential" has agreed to join Hereford FC, manager Josh Gowling said.

Centre-back Zak Lilly has agreed to sign for the Bulls on July 1 after seven years at fellow National League North club AFC Telford United.

Hereford FC said Lilly, 23, took the step up to first-team football in 2015/16 and has "lots of experience" at National League North level.

Hereford FC manager Josh Gowling told the club's official website: "Zak has bags of potential and at this level and has plenty of experience.

"He's strong in the air, good on the ball and has the confidence to succeed at this club. I'm looking forward to working with Zak because he has the attitude to want to push on in his career."

Lilly was also offered a new contract at the Bucks this summer.

Initially a striker, Lilly also had spells on loan at Sutton Coldfield Town, Leamington, Rushall Olympic, Tamworth and Stourbridge after joining Telford from West Bromwich Albion academy.

Gavin Cowan's arrival at Telford as manager in 2018 saw Lilly converted from a striker to a central defender, and in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons he began to see more first-team action.

Lilly is the second new face added to Josh Gowling's squad after 36-year-old forward Tyrone Barnett, and joins the seven senior players retained from last season's squad.