BASINGSTOKE have beefed up their defence even more with the signing of Carl Graham.

The rugged British defenceman is not stranger to the Herd, having played in Basingstoke in season 2010/11, helping the team to their best ever finish in the English Premier League.

The 28-year-old was very impressive playing for the Bracknell Bees last term, where he scored three times in a points tally of eight from 41 games.

The Reading-born player also played in the Elite League with the Manchester Phoenix and in the EPL for Slough Jets and Wightlink Raiders.

Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard is delighted with his latest signing and said: “Carl caught my eye the first time I played against him. He has a physical style and will dish out the hits back there.

“He is also plays a smart game and we are looking very strong on defence, which is what I wanted.”

Returning Graham is looking forward to suiting up once again for the Herd and said: “It is great to be back with the Bison as I felt I had a good year when I was last at Basingstoke and I will be playing the same style this season.

“Doug (Sheppard) has made some good signings and I have already started training so I will be in top shape when the season starts.”

With the addition of Graham it now means the Herd are only searching for an import defenceman to complete the blue line brigade.

This means that club captain Tony Redmond will start the season as a forward, but he will no doubt at some point be called into defence to cover for injuries.