HEYBRIDGE Swifts have beefed up their defence by signing experienced centre-half Grant Cooper.

The 34-year-old has joined from Ryman League division one north rivals Grays Athletic and made his debut as a substitute at the end of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Brentwood.

Cooper is setting his sights on regular first-team football at promotion-chasing Swifts – something he was struggling to get at Grays.

“This season has never really got going for me, having suffered with an injury,” said Cooper.

“The other lads have done really well and I just wanted to get a few more games."