Jake Buxton has returned to Burton Albion eight years after originally leaving the club, signing a one-year deal with the Brewers.
The 32-year-old centre-back has become Albion's fourth signing of the summer and arrives after leaving relegated Wigan Athletic by mutual consent last week in order to move closer to his family in Nottinghamshire.
The move sees him reunited with Nigel Clough at the Pirelli Stadium . Clough originally signed Buxton to the Brewers back in 2008 as they looked to break out of the Conference, before taking him to Derby County in the summer of 2009, six months after he left to become manager of the Rams.
That is where the committed defender gained a wealth of Championship experience, spending seven second-tier campaigns with Derby and clocking up more than 150 appearances, before his move to Wigan last year.
Albion were interested in signing Buxton then, but could not compete with the Latics' financial offer.
But with Buxton now a free agent, Clough has secured a one-year deal for the centre-half, who will further ballast to a defensive line that also includes the likes of Kyle McFadzean, Ben Turner, John Mousinho, Tom Flanagan - pending a new contract - Shaun Barker, Damien McCrory and new signing Stephen Warnock.
Buxton is understood to have held talks with Notts County over a potential move there last week, while former side Derby had also been linked.
With the 32-year-old back in Burton Albion colours, Clough says he will know exactly what to expect when the season rolls around in August.
"He has come on as a player since (his first Burton Albion spell) and very nearly made the Premier League with Derby," said the Brewers boss.
"He's a very good, experienced defender. He knows the challenges we face at the club the size of Burton. He'll be under no illusions and he will fit straight in.
"As he is a player we know well, there is less settling in time. He knows what's expected and that certainly helps. His experience will be vital in the dressing room next season for another tough year."
One thing that may take more adjustment for Buxton is returning to the Pirelli Stadium as a Championship player, rather than as a Conference-title-winning centre-back, which he was when he left in 2009.
"It's nice to get it done and dusted and to be back, and especially where the club has come from since I was last here and now to be part of the future," said Buxton.
"After winning the league with Burton Albion, the opportunity came to join the Rams and a new chapter in my playing career. I went in as sixth choice and worked my way up there.
"I had a good relationship with Nigel Clough there and giving me the opportunity to sign for Derby County is a big reason why I have come back to Burton Albion.
"This is a Championship club now as well and it's a good fit for me at this time of my career."
