HUDDERSFIELD Town have signed a “quality left-sided” centre-back in Joel Lynch.

That’s the message from respected Nottingham Forest writer Paul Taylor, who says the majority of City Ground fans will be disappointed to see him leave.

Lynch became Town’s fifth close-season signing on a three-year contract and Taylor, of the Nottingham Evening Post, says Simon Grayson has landed a player who flourished in the second half of last season.

“Joel is a very solid defender, but he’s a bit more than a ‘head it and kick it’ kind of guy and he’s a very honest player,” said Taylor, who has been busy covering the takeover of Forest by the Al-Hasawi family.

“He is strong in the air, good in the tackle and he can pass the ball well, too.

“I think he’s got a good bit of pace as well, when he needs it, but his biggest quality – and the one which Forest really appreciated him for – was that he’s left footed.

“Just to have someone left-footed on the left side of central defence – which for a long time was a weak link with Forest – was a real bonus and when Joel got in that slot, following the departure of West Morgan in January, he really flourished and did well.”

Lynch was second in Forest’s Player of the Year vote last season behind Gareth McCleary, who left the City Ground just after the season finished to join Premiership newcomers Reading.