‘Perfect sense’: Britt Assombalonga lifts lid on surprise Harborough Town arrival

Signed as a free agent following his departure from League Two side Barnet, Assombalonga initially arrived at the Beehive on a fortnight-long trial period.

Head coach Mitch Austin was a little wary about Assombalonga’s intentions at first - just as he is for many ex-professionals - but he soon learned the experienced striker wants to be at the club for the right reasons.

In his first interview since signing for the Bees, Assombalonga said: “After speaking to the gaffer and hearing the way he spoke about the club, the staff and the players, the move made perfect sense for me at this stage of my career.

“We will take every game as it comes, and I, along with the rest of the lads, will give everything we have to help the club succeed.”

Assombalonga may not have known anything about Harborough before first having conversations with Austin a few weeks ago, but that need not matter as he will be spearheading the Bees in their inaugural National League North season.

The striker joked: “I didn’t know (about Harborough Town FC) but when I was in Nottingham, I remember seeing Market Harborough coming down on the train!

“It has been really good, from the moment I stepped in – the boys, the staff, everyone has welcomed me. It’s sometimes stuff like that which get things over the line.

“It has been a long time since I have played in non-league, but it was an enjoyable time at Wealdstone and Braintree when I went there on loan.

“I think with my experience in the game, I’ll bring a lot to the boys. But a lot of the lads are really good players, everyone here knows how to play!”

Assombalonga, who scored in Harborough’s recent 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with neighbours Quorn FC, could make his competitive Bees debut against King’s Lynn Town on Saturday, August 8.