Margate have signed Folkestone Invicta skipper Liam Friend on a one-year deal.

Friend was the longest serving player at the Fullicks Stadium, making nearly 550 appearances since his debut in 2006-7, and leading them to the Ryman League Division 1 South title last year.

The 29-year-old, Dover-born defender, is boss Steve Watt's fifth signing as he looks to rebuild the Margate squad after relegation from Vanarama National League South last month.

Watt, who released seven players last week, targeted Friend as " the leader in the back line I need."

He added: "I have already got Ben Swift here who is young and a great talent, and feel he will benefit greatly from playing alongside him and help with his progress."

Watt is also hoping to bring in a new goalkeeper, but says that deal may take a few more days to finalise.

He added: "I am also talking to strikers, central midfielders and wide players."