The 23-year-old (pictured) joined Ilkeston in August from Basford`s NPL Premier Division rivals Mickleover.

In December 2019, Mickleover took a punt the striker who has been a prolific goalscorer in the East Midlands Counties League with Eastwood Community.

Originally with Nottingham Pelican Colts up to under-18 level and then Hucknall Town as an under-19, he signed for Eastwood in July 2016 and he has a phenomenal record at Step 6 level, netting 121 goals in 132 games, including 27 goals in 21 games ahead of his move to Step 3.

He had been a junior with both Derby County and Mansfield Town.

Basford boss Steve Chettle told https://www.basfordunited.com: “I’ve known Paddy since he was 9 and followed his development at Eastwood, Mickleover and Ilkeston, which has been excellent.

“He’s an athlete striker that is eager to improve and progress at this level and we’re delighted to have him join us at Basford United.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Adam Collin has left Basford and has retired from playing.

The 37-year-old joined from Kettering Town on a 12-month deal back in May and made 25 appearances in all competitions this season.

He will now focus on all coaching aspects of the game, having joined Mansfield Town academy as head of goalkeeping back in November after leading Basford`s kids on his arrival at Greenwich Avenue.

Penrith-born, Collin forged a stellar career in the Football League.

The experienced shot stopper began his career at Newcastle United but left St James’ Park without making a senior appearance.

He then moved into the non-League football with Workington in 2004, making his debut in a 4-0 win over Matlock Town and made 211 appearances for the Reds over five years.

Signing for Carlisle United in 2009, he then joined Rotherham United four years later and spent a season on loan north of the border at Aberdeen, appearing three teams under manager Derek McInnes.

Collin then put pen-to-paper at Notts County in 2016 and was first choice for a Kevin Nolan side that reached the League Two play-off semi-final in 2018, losing out to Coventry City who were promoted that season.

He re-joined Carlisle that summer, playing a further 79 league games over two seasons before joining Kettering where he failed to feature due to the curtailed National League North campaign.