The 21-year-old Kenyan spent the majority of last season at right-back in Garry Hill's mid-table side while on loan from Reading.

After holding weeks of top-secret talks, and fighting off competition from Football League clubs, Diamonds last night secured a permanent move for Osano.

He comes on a two-year contract following his official release by the Royals after their relegation from the Premier League.

Cousins declared: "He knew what he was getting here with the calibre of players who we've brought in this summer.

"We are evenly balanced at the moment on and off the pitch. Curtis wants to grow with the club and be part of our potential.

"He was one of our better and more consistent players last year which was remarkable given his age. That showed his quality.

"This deal is testament to the manager and the club by proving how serious we all are in trying to take everything forward."

Osano joins new signings Daryl Clare, Lee Phillips, Rob Wolleaston and Scott Mitchell in the new-look Diamonds squad who are currently in the first full week of pre-season training at Kimbolton.

And Cousins revealed that Hill is getting closer to further transfers with a goalkeeper the number one priority ahead of a promotion challenge in the Blue Square Premier.

The chairman added: "We are in deep discussions with a couple of targets and we will keep all our options open.

"We don't want to rush our judgement when we are looking to put together a quality side.

"We need a keeper plus two or three more outfield players. There's a lot going on behind the scenes."