Defender Marcus Hall signs for Northampton Town

Hall began his career as a trainee at Coventry

Experienced defender Marcus Hall has joined League Two outfit Northampton Town on a one-year contract after being released by Coventry City.

The 34-year-old left-back impressed Cobblers manager Ian Sampson after training with the squad and appearing in some pre-season friendlies.

Sampson said: "Marcus has an awful lot of quality and when we knew he was available he seemed a perfect choice.

"He is a first-class professional and a leader on and off the pitch," he added.

"Having played all his football in the top two divisions, it's clear he'll be an asset to us and the younger players we have.

"He's already settled in well and I'm sure he'll prove a good signing."

Hall made his debut for Coventry in 1994 and played 138 games for the club before joining Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2002.

He subsequently turned out for Southampton and Stoke, but returned to the Sky Blues in 2005, from where he was released at the end of last season.