The 37-year-old has been brought in to further his fledgling coaching career and provide experience to Eaton's squad.

It has also emerged that Hayward may have been approached for a coaching or management role at Aylesbury United, but opted to join Aylesbury instead.

Speaking about the signing, Aylesbury boss Eaton said: "I'm really, really pleased with it. We first spoke to Matt when we thought the two clubs (Aylesbury United and Aylesbury Vale) were coming together.

"Apparently he did get approached by Aylesbury United for that job but he decided not to pursue it.

"I think he will obviously bring a lot of experience, which perhaps we needed at times last season (at Aylesbury United), like knowing when to do the right thing at the right time. I think he will help the younger players, particularly the defenders and it will be a good having him available to play in the games we need him to and when he can. It's also a stepping stone for him and his coaching.

"He's got a great attitude and is very professional, we're delighted with it," he said.

Read reaction from Hayward in next week's Bucks Herald.