Roper has signed for the Poppies after a year with Luton

Kettering Town have signed defender Ian Roper from Blue Square Premier rivals Luton Town on a free transfer.

Roper made over 300 appearances for Walsall before signing for Luton Town last August.

Boss Mark Cooper told the Evening Telegraph: "We needed to replace Guy Branston with a big, strong centre-back and that's what Ian Roper is."

Roper is described as a no-nonsense defender who scored three goals for Luton in 19 appearances.

The centre-back added: "I know they had Guy Branston here and people may see me as a replacement but all that doesn't really bother me to be honest.

"I have been around a bit and I have hopefully played enough games to be able to come in here and slot in and do the job I am asked to do."

Cooper also revealed that trialist Patrick Noubissie is likely to sign for the club, after some strong performances during pre-season.

Meanwhile, the Poppies lost 2-0 to QPR on Wednesday - their first pre-season defeat.

Heidar Helguson scored in the 11th minute and Alessandro Pellicori doubled the lead 12 minutes later.

Kettering will now face Chesterfield on Saturday in their final pre-season friendly, before starting the Blue Square Premier campaign against Forest Green.

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