Jan 27 2012 By Tim Street

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HAMPTON & Richmond Borough have announced the signing and the return of former Beaver Darren Powell - just as the Chronicle predicted last year.

Powell, 35, made his first steps in senior football with the Beavers in the 1997-98 season before a move to Brentford kickstarted his career.

He went on to play for Crystal Palace, West Ham, Southampton, and Derby County before making a short-lived return to Brentford in 2009.

The following season, he spent time with Milton Keynes before becoming a free agent at the end of last season, and has not kicked a ball since.

Earlier this season, the Chronicle revealed that Powell has been watching games at Beveree, and had been in talks with Hampton boss Mark Harper about a possible return.

Club chairman Steve McPherson is said:  “Other clubs were interested in him, but Darren wanted to help lift the club away from the bottom of the table. His knowledge and experience will be important to a young side in the run in to the end of the season.”

Powell will be available for tomorrow’s game at Havant & Waterlooville.