Real Bedford can confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper Craig King. The 28-year-old joins with a wealth of experience in the National League South, along with four first-team appearances for Luton Town.

King spent nine seasons at the Hatters, progressing through the academy and making four appearances in the EFL Trophy. The shot-stopper spent time on loan at Bishop’s Stortford and Southport while under contract at Luton, making six appearances for the latter in the National League.

At the end of the 2016/17 campaign, King rejected a one-year contract extension to take a step away from professional football.

After a break from the game, King returned in January 2018 to sign for Oxford City in the National League South. He spent two years at the Hoops, making 69 appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets. Oxford City finished 12th and 13th in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, respectively.

In the summer of 2020, King joined Dartford in the National League South. He made 12 appearances for the club before the season was curtailed due to the pandemic.

King then joined Hemel Hempstead on loan in October 2021, before making his move permanent in January 2022. He went on to make 130 appearances for the Tudors across four seasons, winning the club’s Managers Player of the Season, Players Player of the Season and Supporters Player of the Season in the 2022/23 campaign.

King made the switch to Sholing FC this summer. The Boatmen play in the Southern League Premier South and currently sit fifth. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has saved two penalties in his last two games for the step three side.

On joining, King said:

“I am over the moon to be joining such an ambitious club who have enjoyed great success over the last few years. It’s an exciting time to be involved with the club, and I cant wait to be a part of the journey!”

Welcome to the Pirates, Craig.