STAFFORDSHIRE have strengthened their squad with three signings ahead of the new Minor Counties season.

Batsman Chris Taylor, leg-spinner Mark Lawson and all-rounder Alex Stead have joined a Staffs side who were runners-up in last season's one-day competition and finished sixth in the Eastern Division.

Taylor, aged 29, has negotiated his release from Yorkshire to concentrate on his cricket coaching business.

He scored 1,615 runs in his 39 first-class matches, including three centuries.

"After retiring from first-class cricket, that chapter has now closed, but I still want to play at the highest level available," said Taylor, who plays club cricket for Lightcliffe, in the Bradford League.

"Moving to Staffordshire is an opportunity to do that and I want to contribute to the county's success with runs at the top of the order.

"If I can do that – and with Staffordshire's attack being one of the best around – it will give us the opportunity to win games.

"I also want to help the younger players and have an impact on the team which will leave a lasting legacy."

Staffordshire have bolstered their spin-bowling department with the signing of Lawson.

The 24-year-old made 23 first-class appearances for Derbyshire before being released at the end of last season.

He has also represented Yorkshire and England at under-19s level.

All-rounder Stead, who joins Staffs after three seasons with Cumberland, is seen as a replacement for the retired Mo Sheikh.

He made nine appearances for Cumberland, scoring 364 runs – including 61 and 37 against Staffs last season – and took 19 wickets with his medium-pace bowling.

Captain Paul Goodwin said: "You have to take the opportunity to sign quality players when they come along.

"It is no secret we have been looking for a run-scorer at the top of the order for the past three or four seasons and Chris has the pedigree.

"It is an exciting signing for us with both his run-scoring ability and first-class experience.

"Hopefully Chris's arrival will give us the consistency required to help us build the big scores you need to win games at this level."

Goodwin also believes Stead and Lawson have big roles to play to help Staffordshire challenge for trophies.

"Alex is a proven player at this level and we see him as a direct replacement for Mo," said Goodwin. "He will add to our middle-order batting and provide necessary back-up to our strike bowlers.

"And Mark meanwhile, has the potential to be a match-winner."

Staffordshire start their one-day campaign against Northumberland at Gosforth on Sunday, April 25.