John Thompson has signed for Notts County on a two-and-a-half year contract following the termination of his contract with Oldham Athletic yesterday.
The Republic of Ireland international has already spent two months with the Magpies on loan and has impressed hugely in both midfield and defence.
It is believed that he turned down a number of League One teams to enable him to initially join the Magpies.
His relationship with Ian McParland, who coached him as a youngster at Nottingham Forest, was thought to have played a significant part in the move.
Speaking to the club's official website, Notts' boss expressed his delight at signing the 27-year-old, saying: "John is exactly the type of player we need to bring into this football club if we are going to achieve our ambitions and his signing is a tremendous coup.
"He has been a revelation since he joined us and although that hasn't surprised me, there was always a fear that he might not want to join us on a permanent basis.
"Fortunately John has enjoyed his time here on loan and is now looking to playing a key role in helping us to keep Notts County moving forward."
Thompson himself was just glad to put his nightmare with the Latics behind him. He added: "The problem I had at Oldham was that I had two knee operations and a nose operation. I broke my nose three times.
"It was a disastrous time. But I have been injury-free since I have been here and been able to play week in, week out.
"For any footballer to have a really good season I think you have to have 15 or
20 games before you reach your best.
"I feel like I never achieved what I should have done there."
County's latest recruit began his career at the Reds, making his debut under Paul Hart in the 2001/2002 season.
He went on to appear 129 times for them, scoring 8 times before being released five years later, following on from two loan stints with Tranmere Rovers.
In his time at the City Ground, he impressed enough to earn himself a call-up to the Republic of Ireland international squad, earning three caps.
Oldham Athletic was his next destination, and despite signing a promising three-year deal, he struggled to make any major impact due to a succession of injuries.