TRADITIONAL style centre-half Jamie Grimes is aiming to lead the Bulls towards clean sheets in the coming season by putting his body on the line.

The 29-year-old left footed defender has made Football League appearances with Cheltenham Town and played with manager Josh Gowling at Kidderminster Harriers.

Last season Grimes made 33 appearances for Ebbsfleet United in the National League South.

The six foot four inches tall defender says his strengths are in the air, physical battles and defending.

"As a defender that's what you want to do, keeping clean sheets and putting your body on the line," he told the club's website.

"I like to head balls away and defend crosses, but I can bring it out as well. I have got quite a good left foot, not to put too much pressure on myself.

"I do try to lead from the back, be vocal and organise people around me.

"If they're organised then we will keep more clean sheets, that's what I want from a Saturday."

Gowling got in touch with Grimes during the lockdown period and the defender wanted to be part of the 'project' at Edgar Street.

At 29 years old Grimes added that he is still ambitious and wants to play in the Football League along with bringing success to the Bulls' fans.

"I want to get this club back higher up in the league," added Grimes.

"I've heard the fans here are very good, you've got a great following and that was one of the big draws in me coming.

"This is one of the non-league grounds I haven't played at but everybody who has played here has always enjoyed the atmosphere and the place."

Grimes is based in Loughborough and says the morning training at the club's new Warwick University base was another factor in him signing for the Bulls.

The Hereford back four will have a familiar face in the form of last season's captain Jared Hodgkiss, with the pair playing together at Macclesfield Town.

He has also played with fellow new signing Yan Kluskowski while playing for Forest Green Rovers.

Grimes has played under a host of managers including Chris Kinnear, Gary Johnson and Sol Campbell amongst others.

"You learn a lot from all the different managers that you play under and you take little things from them," he added.

"Gary Johnson was like a disciplinarian and I think I enjoy that. That's something I've learnt as if I go into it or coaching that you've got to have the respect and people accountable for their actions on the pitch."