RICKY Allaway has signed for the club on a season-long non-contract basis after Reading decided to release the central defender.

His three-month loan spell at the Camrose was due to end this week. Ryman League regulations regarding loan-periods stipulate that once the time is over, the player is not able to re-join, even if both clubs are happy for it to occur.

The departure of Allaway (pictured), coupled with the season-long loss of Jason Bristow to a cruciate knee ligament injury, would have left Town struggling in defence and requiring another centre-half.

But because the Royals have made the decision to let the young defender go, it meant Town could actually sign the player for a longer term.

Camrose Blues manager Ernie Howe said: "We are pleased that we will have Ricky (right) with us for a longer time. We will have to see how things go before discussing anything on a permanent basis, as is the case with all non-contract players.

"But it eases things in the short term because we would have had to look at getting another centre half once Ricky left. In fact, we do still need to bring someone in because we are a little light in defence.

"Tom Foster can play there but we need more cover as any more injuries will leave us very light. Touch wood, we won't suffer any more this season after Jason.

"But Ricky has come into the side in Jason's place and done well for us this year. He was keen to stay here and we are glad to have signed him."