HEYBRIDGE Swifts have signed former Reading and Burnley legend Glen Little.

Little, a friend of Swifts manager Jody Brown, joins the Ryman One North side from Ryman Premier champions Wealdstone.

Brown said: “This signing has been on the cards for some time.

“He is a top pro and proved that last year in his first season in part-time football.

“I saw him play three or four times last season and he was outstanding.

“Everyone will pick things up from Glen and his experience of big games and promotions will help me develop also.”

Little, who has surpassed 600 career appearances in league and cup for various clubs, brings a wealth of experience from the professional game as well as the Premier League.

The arrival of the midfielder, who has also played for Portsmouth and went up against AC Milan in his time with Pompey, is likely to create excitement for Heybridge fans and players alike.

Brown said: “On and off the field we have a huge asset in Glen, the fans will absolutely love him and our young midfielders and wide players will learn so much from him.”

Little was part of the Burnley side from 1997-2004, making 246 league appearances with 32 goals.

His career started at Crystal Palace before joining Derry for one outing and then making 75 league appearances for Glentoran before Burnley paid £100,000 for him to move to Turf Moor.

Little’s talents were widely regarded as one of the main reasons behind Reading’s record-breaking 106-point Championship lifting 2005-06 season, where he scored five goals and set up 14.

The 38-year-old has moved to Swifts as it is closer to his home now and there would be more travelling involved with Wealdstone.