Hereford FC have signed towering former Football League defender Kyle Howkins ahead of the new season.

The 27-year-old, from Walsall, was previously with Newport County and out on loan at Solihull Moors before suffering an ACL injury.

The six-foot-five inches tall defender played in the second half during Hereford’s first pre-season game against Hereford Pegasus and impressed manager Paul Caddis enough to earn himself a contract.

“He’s six-foot-five and a man mountain,” said Caddis after the opening pre-season friendly. “Kyle has been out of the game for 18 months with a really bad ACL injury and it was a brilliant game for him to get back playing football.”

On signing the central defender Caddis praised Howkins’ character who has returned from the long-term injury.

Caddis told the club’s website: “He has a brilliant physique and a character that I don’t think will be matched at this level.

“He has single handedly recovered from a long term injury on his own – the mental strength, hard work, desire and character that takes from anyone in any walk of life has to be applauded.

‘We are delighted to have Kyle with us having spent the previous three weeks training with the squad and I have been really impressed with the manner in which he carries himself.

‘He has EFL experience and will add a physicality to us in both boxes. I am delighted Kyle has chosen to restart his football career with us rather than take the opportunities from levels above at this time in his career.

‘I have promised from day one we will have a hard-working team that will run through brick walls for the badge they are representing and Kyle is another addition to that.

‘The continued support has been inspiring from everyone around the football club and the city of Hereford and we urge you all to stick with us in what’s been a complete reset of the full football staff and players.”