Lines made decision to leave Cobblers due to lack of game-time

The desire for more game-time was the driving force behind Chris Lines' decision to leave the Cobblers and join Stevenage on a deal until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old midfielder will team up with ex-Town striker Alex Revell at Boro, who are just outside the relegation zone in League Two.

"I haven't had too much game-time so I've been waiting for the transfer window to open," said Lines, who made just one league start for Town this season. "I chatted to Revs leading up to it and he knows all about me.

"It just took a few phonecalls with Rev about how the team plays and I sat down with my family and we felt this was the best move for me.

"It's always nice to get it over the line early. It's a bit different at my age now but I'm pleased to get it done because I haven't played too much this season and I want to get back out on the pitch."

Explaining why he made a move for Lines, Boro boss Revell said: “Chris has higher level experience, he won a promotion last year from this division and despite his age, he plays every game and his injury record is fantastic.

"He is somebody that will be really influential to us in the midfield area. He wants to play forward, he wants to get on the ball, he wants to pass and is a brilliant size for us in terms of his height, which we have lacked at times.

“He is everything we want in a midfielder and we are delighted because he had a lot of offers and I think he will really add a lot to this team.”