Harborough Town have completed the signing of striker Kyle Hudlin, and the 6ft 9in forward is set to be involved when the National League North club travel to League One side Leyton Orient in the FA Cup first round on Saturday. The move gives Harborough sign Kyle Hudlin before FA Cup tie additional intrigue, with the 26-year-old bringing a distinctive physical presence to the squad.
Hudlin, who stands at 2.06m, is among the tallest outfield professional footballers in the world. He most recently played for Nam Dinh in Vietnam’s top flight and becomes the latest addition to a Harborough squad that has recently recruited several players with English Football League experience.
Manager backs new arrival to add attacking threat
Harborough boss Mitch Austin welcomed the signing and highlighted the striker’s potential impact. Speaking to the club website, Austin said Hudlin’s attributes would provide more firepower going forward and that he was delighted to welcome him to the club.
Austin also revealed that the move had been some time in the making. He recalled watching Hudlin score for Solihull Moors in the 2022 National League play-off final at the London Stadium and said he had followed his career since. The two met a few months ago through a mutual friend, and when Austin learned Hudlin was a free agent, he was naturally interested. The manager stressed that what stood out first was Hudlin as a person, before discussions turned to his qualities as a player.
Career path from Solihull to Southeast Asia
Birmingham-born Hudlin made his professional breakthrough at Solihull Moors, where he scored 17 goals in 69 appearances. That tally included the opening goal in the 2022 National League play-off final. His form earned him a move to Huddersfield Town that summer, and he gained experience in the Championship during his time with the Terriers.
While at Huddersfield, Hudlin also spent loan spells at AFC Wimbledon, Burton Albion and Newport County. He left the club in July 2025 and subsequently joined Nam Dinh in Vietnam’s top division before becoming a free agent.
Harborough's recent recruitment drive
Hudlin is not the first player with EFL pedigree to arrive at Harborough in recent months. The club has also signed former Wigan Athletic winger Michael Jacobs and ex-Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga as they strengthen their options.
The Leicestershire-based side reached the FA Cup first round last season, eventually falling to Reading in the second round. This year’s trip to Leyton Orient offers another chance to progress, and Hudlin’s availability adds a new dimension to Austin’s attacking choices for the tie.
