Deal Town’s new manager Darren Anslow was quick to get down to business, making former Gillingham youth and Erith & Belvedere goalkeeper Ashley Bourne his first signing.

Anslow, who was appointed Paul Murray’s successor last week, said signing Bourne was an ideal way to start getting his squad organised at the Charles Sports Ground.

He said: “Signing Ash first up was important. Starting at the back with a decent goalkeeper makes it a lot easier to start building a squad around.”

But the former Sevenoaks Vine boss and Cray Valley coach said Bourne’s arrival would not signal a rush of new arrivals, despite Deal’s first pre-season game (home to Lydd on July 12) approaching.

He said: “It will be easier to have one or two players I’ve worked with in the past here and I’ve already been talking to some since I got the job.

“Saying that, those who are already here from last season will get their chance to impress me first and that will start at Saturday’s first training session.”

Read the full story in today's East Kent Mercury