Huddersfield Town have signed Antony Kay from League One rivals Tranmere Rovers on a Bosman free transfer.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who was Rovers' supporters player of the year this season, has signed a two-year deal at the Galpharm Stadium.
"Every time I have played Huddersfield Town I have been impressed with their team," Kay told the Terriers website.
"There is quite a bit of competition for the midfield positions here but that can only be a good thing."
Kay began his career as a centre-half at Barnsley, making over 200 appearances for the Oakwell club.
He was part of the Barnsley side that beat Huddersfield in the 2006 League One play-off semi-final, and went on to score the winning penalty in the final victory over Swansea.
He is a strong, physical player and we have identified that we need that presence in the side
Clark on new signing Kay
He switched positions to midfield on his move to Tranmere in 2007 and was the club's captain this season.
Kay added: "I think I would now class myself as a midfielder, but the manager knows that I can play at centre-half if he needs me to.
"When you add the new players the manager is looking to bring in, I think we have a really good chance of promotion next season.
"When you join a new club, you cannot wait to get started and I am counting down the days until pre-season training starts.
"We've got things sorted pretty early, so now I just have to prepare.
"I want to start now, but I'll have to play the waiting game for around four weeks."
Kay is manager Lee Clark's first signing of the summer, as the former Newcastle player looks to build a squad good enough to win promotion in his first full season in charge.
Clark explained: "He is a strong, physical player and we have identified that we need that presence in the side, particularly away from home when you are not allowed to play your football all the time. Antony will certainly do that for us.
"We want to be in the position of having players who can come into the team in case of injury or suspension and not weaken the team.
"It is good to have strength in depth in every position and Antony certainly provides good competition in the midfield and defensive areas.
"Huddersfield Town is a very attractive proposition for a player. Everyone knows what kind of ambition we have got.
"Given that there were teams after Antony from this division and the one above it wasn't easy to get him, but we are delighted we have him."
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