Lee said: “I see it as a great signing. Matt can play either at centre back or in midfield. He is a great competitor. We plan to use him in the centre of the park to start with where he should give us good and imposing presence.

“This is a deal I have been chasing all summer. We have had to bide our time to work on things and check his availability. He is desperate to play and had offers from other clubs, but has preferred to come here. In the end, I think our patience has paid off.”

Wilson began his career as a youngster at Darlington and moved on to Grantham Town for the latter part of the 2006-2007 season.

He signed for Alfreton at the start of the following campaign and played more than 150 times for the Derbyshire club — scoring 10 goals — before spending part of last term on loan at Guiseley (he scored their late equaliser at Boston in a 3-3 draw on the final day of last season).

Wilson has been granted permission by Alfreton to appear in two pre-season matches for the Pilgrims and can also play for United in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Picture: courtesy Alfreton Town Football Club.