Boreham Wood have snapped up former Portsmouth defender Joe Devera on a free transfer less than 24 hours after boss Ian Allinson revealed he wanted to sign defenders who "are going to defend properly".

Former Barnet and Swindon Town centre-back Devera, 28, left Fratton Park in the summer after two years on the South Coast and Allinson will hope he fits that bill.

Speaking to the club website, Allinson said: "Joe was somebody both me and my assistant Luke Garrard had admired for a long time but didn’t in all honesty think we could get.

"That changed recently and so we sat down with Joe and had a chat. The fact Joe is versatile defender also appealed to me, as he is equally comfortable as a centre half or as a right back.

“We are going to need to see this sticky patch out as a squad and we will need leaders all over the park who will go and put their bodies on the line.

"I’ve brought Joe here to play and to add his experience and strength to the side. After ten games I can clearly see who is struggling and as manager it’s my job to rectify things as soon as possible and that’s what I intend to do."

Speaking after Tuesday night's 3-2 defeat at home to Bromley in the National League, Allinson said: "I think we need to go and get some more leaders and height in there and we need to get some more defenders who are going to defend properly."

Devera made 80 appearances and scored once for Pompey during his stay in Hampshire. He had previously impressed at Swindon during a two-year spell after being brought to the County Ground by Paolo Di Canio in 2011.

Born in Southgate, the 6ft 2in defender started his professional career with local club Barnet and spent six years with the Bees - save for loan stints at Welwyn Garden City and Northwood.