New signing for Stamford AFC as former Peterborough United player Callum Chettle joins the Daniels

Patience has paid off for Stamford manager Graham Drury following the signing of former Peterborough United player Callum Chettle.

The 27-year-old - who is the son of ex-Nottingham Forest player Steve Chettle - made his Daniels debut at the weekend after joining from Southern League rivals Nuneaton.

The midfielder came on as a second half substitute for Stamford in their 1-1 draw with Stourbridge.

Chettle - who has also played for Ilkeston, Alfreton, Fylde, Boston United, Matlock, Basford and Mickleover - was the subject of several approaches after leaving Nuneaton following their withdrawal from the league.

But he snubbed a higher level offer to join the Daniels in their push to finish in the Premier Division Central play-off places.

Manager Drury explained: "It fell quite well for us.

"We knew that he had a couple of other offers so we kept in the background because we knew that we couldn't financially match those teams.

"He spoke to the other clubs and it wasn't what he was expecting so we jumped in at the last minute.

"He knew that we had wanted him for a long time so was happy to get the deal done and see how the last 13 games go.

"It worked out well for us because he's a good player and he can control the midfield when he's at it.

"I'm hoping he can come in and be part of that jigsaw which gives us that final push.

"We're still not getting carried away with our league position. It's nice to be in that picture but we're realistic.

"If we get into it then fantastic. If we don't then we've still had a good season."

Stamford are back in league action on Saturday when they host AFC Sudbury at the Zeeco Stadium.

The Daniels - who are currently in seventh spot and two points outside the play-off places - will be looking to complete a league double over their Suffolk visitors after a 2-1 away win earlier in the season.

The Yellows have dropped back into the relegation zone in recent weeks after losing points when Nuneaton's playing record was expunged but Drury is expecting a tricky test from a Sudbury side who will be without suspended goalkeeper James Bradbrook.

The Stamford manager said: "Most of Sudbury's defeats have just been by the odd goal and it was a tough game at their place.

"They nearly pulled off a great result at Mickleover last weekend so we know that it will be hard and they're a good footballing side."

Stamford go into the match after a 1-1 away draw at Stourbridge on Saturday where chances were few and far between.

Lee Shaw's goal seven minutes into the second half had given Stamford the lead before Kian Ryley hit an 88th minute leveller for the hosts.

Drury commented: "There wasn't much quality in the game. It was a midfield battle so a draw was a fair result.

"I thought we might nick a 1-0 win and see the game through but fair play to their goal because there was some good build-up play to get the ball wide.

"It was probably a missed opportunity for us because a win would have taken us into the play-off places but we didn't really deserve it overall."

Stamford will have centre-half Ashton Offler available for selection again on Saturday after his suspension ended.