BROMSGROVE Sporting have signed up former Leeds United centre forward Simon Johnson.

Johnson played and scored in the Rouslers’ first friendly match of the summer, when they lost 4-3 at Phoenix United in a match played at Bartley Green.

The 30-year-old was one of a long list of new faces to debut at the weekend but certainly is the most high profile.

After coming through the ranks at Leeds, West Bromwich-born Johnson has played for a host of clubs, including Hull, Blackpool, Darlington, Bury, Halesowen, Hereford and Hibernians in Malta.

Last season he had a brief spell at Redditch United and also turned out for Hinckley United once.

Joint-boss Graham Scott said: “Simon has a lot of experience from a higher level and if we can get him fit and firing he will be a useful addition.

“There were a lot of new faces on Saturday but I was pleased with how the players are working.

“Ade Mander has been working hard bringing some fresh faces in, he’s got a lot of connections in the Black Country.”

Bromsgrove have also brought in goalkeepers Jake Bedford, who was at Redditch last season, and Aaron Gayle, son of former Crewe and Liverpool shot-stopper Mark.

Winger Will Tibbetts has signed from Cradley Town, while Lichfield attacker Jacob Snape and Highgate United centre half Toby Checketts have also joined.

Jake Brown, who also played for Highgate has also put pen to paper.

All of the new additions played in Saturday’s loss to Phoenix.

They had fallen 2-0 down inside the opening 30 minutes but Johnson marked his debut with a goal.

Brown then bagged a brace but United fought back to win the match late on.

Scott added: “Phoenix were fired up for the match but it was our first friendly and a it was a good work out.”

Sporting go to Arcdale 73 (3pm ko) on Saturday and then kick-off their home friendlies with a match against Halesowen Town next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

With the club forced to call off their friendly against Stourbridge at the start of the month because the pitch was not ready in time, Sporting fans will be eager to get a first glimpse of their team at home.

The Rouslers’ final home friendly is against Stratford Town on August 3.