Preston North End have completed the permanent signing of defender Scott Wiseman on an 18-month deal.
The paperwork could only be completed on the deal on Friday morning after he concluded his release from former club Barnsley, allowing him to put pen to paper on the contract at Deepdale.
Wiseman, who turned down an offer to join rivals Blackpool, goes straight into the manager’s options for Saturday’s trip to Wolves, after the registration was completed in time.
The Gibraltan international, 28, came through the ranks at home town club Hull City, before a move to Darlington, He spent three years at Rochdale, making over 100 appearances, before a move to Barnsley in the Championship.
He had looked set for a big money move to Bloomfield Road last January, only for Michael Appleton to leave the club for Blackburn, but finally moves Lancashire on a deal until at last the summer of 2015.
Speaking about his latest recruit, manager Simon Grayson said: “We looked at the situation and felt that the defensive area of the pitch was one we wanted to strengthen.
“He’s a versatile player who can play anywhere across the back four, as well as wing back. He’s got a lot of experience, played in a few different divisions, but most notably in the Championship in the last two or three years. He’s a good size, a good lad, with good experience and has a hunger to be successful, so we’re delighted he is going to come and join us.
“He has turned down a couple of Championship clubs to come here, which means he’s seen what we are trying to achieve at this football club; so we feel that we have another good addition to the squad, which gives us a bit of versatility and flexibility in the team.”
Scott himself, who will wear the No.32 shirt for the Lilywhites, told PNE Player that it was the only club he wanted to join, once the interest had been shown.
“I knew what Preston was about before I came and heard the plans for the Club. The place is geared for the Championship and we just need to complete the job. It’s a great stadium and fantastic to be part of it.
“I spoke to a couple of Championship clubs, Blackpool being one of them, but once I came here and looked round, there was only one place I wanted to be.”