Scott Porter has signed long-term target Tom Hickman.

The Hythe Town boss sees the midfielder as a key signing, with fellow new signing Sam Bewick sidelined with a knee injury.

Hickman, 31, arrives from Ramsgate, having been skipper at Faversham Town, as well as having a spell with Margate.

Porter said: “I tried to sign him last season but it didn’t happen. His experience and ability as a box-to-box player will suit us.”

Hickman’s arrival and the imminent return of another midfielder, Ronnie Dolan, has lifted Porter’s spirits after the club’s poor start to pre-season. He says talks with Dolan are ongoing after a planned trial with Welling United didn’t work out.

Skipper Dave Cook’s penalty earned Hythe their first pre-season win, beating Tonbridge Angels 1-0 at Reachfields on Tuesday night.

Porter said: “I had a rant at the boys about commitment to training but everyone was available on Tuesday, except Shaun Welford who was resting a hamstring niggle and George Savage who was working. The win will breed confidence.”

He hopes Welford will be fit to face Ashford United on Saturday (3pm) but Pat Kingwell and Craig Thompson are both unavailable.

Hythe travel to Kent Invicta League champions Phoenix Sports on Tuesday night.