LEE Clark moved quickly to snap up right-back Phil Edwards after the experienced defender impressed the Bury boss while playing against them for Oxford United.

The 31-year-old former Accrington and Burton Albion full-back, who has played 498 career appearances, featured for the Us on loan in a 5-1 victory over the Shakers at the tail end of last season.

After being released by Burton following the end of the campaign, Edwards has signed a two-year deal at Gigg Lane and will provide cover for Craig Jones on the right of the defence.

“I’m delighted to have added Phil Edwards to our squad for next season," said Clark.

"Phil is very much like Jermaine Beckford in that he has been successful in gaining promotion out of this league and into the Championship.

“He’s obviously been successful before and I had chance to watch him at close quarters just a few weeks ago, playing for Oxford against us, when I thought he was outstanding.

“This is a fantastic signing for us, and done so early in the window.

"Once again, Carrington played a huge part in sealing the deal and I know Phil was immensely impressed with our training facility.

"His arrival brings competition for places with Craig Jones plus, if needed, we can also play Craig further up the field.”

Liverpool-born Edwards began his career with Wigan Athletic in 2004 but had spells with Morecambe and Accrington Stanley on loan without making an appearance for the Latics.

His loan move to Accrington turned into a permanent transfer in July, 2006, and he went on to play for Stanley for more than six seasons, enjoying promotion to the Football League while there.

Edwards joined Stevenage in July, 2011, before returning north to join Rochdale a year later.

After just one season at Spotland, he joined Burton, where he enjoyed back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.

His final appearance for Burton was against the Shakers in a 3-2 victory in the League Cup in August, 2016, before joining League One newcomers Oxford United on a season-long loan.

He played every game for Oxford last season before returning to the Pirelli Stadium.