Town chief thrilled to sign 'ambitious' Lockyer from Addicks

Town boss Nathan Jones was elated to welcome centre half Tom Lockyer to the club after the defender signed on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic this afternoon.

The 25-year-old, who has played over 350 first team games, including 43 for the Addicks last term as Lee Bowyer's side were eventually relegated, has also won 10 full caps for Wales.

Lockyer has been a target of Jones' for some time, and will now push both Sonny Bradley and Matty Pearson for a place in the centre of Town's defence.

Speaking to the club's official website, Jones said: "We wanted to strengthen in that area and have four centre-halves, so we are delighted to get Tom.

"He’s someone I’ve known about since his days at Bristol Rovers.

"He played against us for them, went to Charlton and has had a real good season there and established himself in the Welsh squad.

"The number of games he’s played for a 25-year-old is excellent, so he brings good experience even though he’s of a relatively young age.

"He’ll add real competition to what we’ve got here and there is still plenty to come.

"He wanted to stay at the Championship level because he's ambitious and wants to establish himself as an international player, so with that hunger and desire to do well, he ticks all the boxes for us."