NETHERFIELD Cricket Club dug deep into the transfer market and believe they have struck gold.

The Parkside Road side have stumped for South African all-rounder Dieter Klein in a move they hope will fire them up the Northern Premier League.

Klein, 26, from Potchefstroom, north west South Africa, has graced Netherfield's wicket before when he played as a substitute professional in 2011.

Things went pretty well for him then as he scored 81 runs against Fleetwood in a 139 run third wicket stand with Marc Brown, who made his maiden century on the same day.

The South African is currently averaging 40 with the bat in first class cricket for his team, the North West Dragons.

Despite being unable to bowl during his biref visit to Netherfield four years ago, he is expected to be the quickest bowler in the Northern Premier League this campaign.

The Gazette spoke to Netherfield's captain, Marc Brown, who is overjoyed to have Klein in the dressing room this season.

"As soon as I knew he was available he was the number one choice," said Brown.

"He went down really well with the lads a few years ago when he came and he was more raw than he is now. He's exactly what we want from a professional quick bowler. We looked for something slightly different and as a left arm bowler there's a change to the attack we've had in previous years."

It was Klein's attitude that made him such an attractive prospect.

Brown said: "He's a bit of a character and that's the sort of person we want. Last year's professional wasn't a million miles away from being resigned but we wanted someone with a bit more aggression to rip teams apart. "

This appointment makes Netherfield a scary prospect for opening batsmen at other teams in the league as Klein and Mark Clarkson make for a fearsome opening partnership.

"There's excitement around our bowling attack this year," said Brown.

"Dieter and Mark are probably the quickest two bowlers in the league. We're a young side looking to improve constantly and to get up the table next season. There's no reason why we cant win the T20 competition for three years in a row."

Klein spoke to the Gazette from a changing room in South Africa in between innings for his home club.

He said: "Netherfield are a club which have a great history.

"They are a club which have a history of success.

"Since I sub-pro'd for the them in 2011 I had alot of interest in how Netherfield were doing.

"The people treated me really well and with a lot of respect, and the fact I did well there also made my decision easier.

"The whole town and surroundings grabbed my attention from the first moment and I would like this season to be a succesful one, not only for me personally but for the club as a whole - hopefully we can win some trophies.

"I had a great season with Stokesley last year with some very freindly and helpful people who really helped me but for the coming season there are new challenges and new people and I am sure Netherfield will hold a lot of exciting experiences for me this year."

He is expected to arrive on April 15 but is unlikely to participate in Netherfield's pre-season friendly against Blackpool on April 18.