NEIL HARRIS is pleased he was able to move quickly to secure the signing of James Meredith from Bradford City.
The left-back will sign a two-year-deal when he arrives back from holiday this week, subject to a medical.
Australian born, the 29-year-old has been one of the most consistent players in League One over the last two seasons, and was named in the League One Team of the Year in 2016-17.
And Harris is pleased with the addition of the defender, and revealed the recruitment department are busy trying to wrap up “three or four” more deals.
“We are a long way down the line with James Meredith,” Harris said.
“Joe Martin has been brilliant for us over the last couple of years but he has moved on to play first team regular football.
“Tony Craig has been absolutely immense but just needs some competition. The competition for places all over the park at the next level is really key.
“In James and Tony, you have two very accomplished full-backs with very different attributes, and it adds real quality.
“That is what we are looking for, a squad that is highly competitive, players that can push each other and with the amount of fixtures of high quality, we will need every member of the squad.”
Lions CEO Steve Kavanagh added: “James was in the League One Team of the Year, he was well sought after.
“He has been on our scouting list since day one. When I walked in he has been on the board at the top of the list in that position.
“So to get your top targets in their positions is important and we are pleased to have done that.”
Meredith told a Bradford affiliated newspaper that Harris was the reason he snubbed former boss Phil Parkinson and Bolton for a move to London.
And Kavanagh echoed the defender’s sentiments.
“I think Neil is vital in that,” The Lions’ chief executive said.
“He is the important component in that relationship with the player, it’s highly important to making sure they fit into the team and Neil’s understanding of the team ethos.
“He is a young up and coming manager who has already delivered silverware and success.
“Neil is someone that players will know what he is about, and will want to play for him.
“If you have a player who wants to play for the manager then that’s most of the hard work done.”
Meanwhile, Harris has admitted he is a fan of inbound striker Tom Elliott from AFC Wimbledon.
The 26-year-old will join to strengthen the Lions’ attacking options ahead of Championship football next season.
Harris admitted: “We are getting closer with Tom Elliott. Competition for places is important, we look to have an all round balance of attacking players.
“Steve Morison has been talismanic and instrumental in our success over the last two years, but he can’t continuously be flogged three times a week. Competition for places, again, is key.
“Tom is a player I have admired for a long time, he has had an excellent couple of years at AFC Wimbledon under Neil Ardley, these things take time but we are getting closer.”
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