Herne Bay have signed goalkeeper Rob Budd following the departure of experienced shot-stopper Jack Delo.

Delo confirmed he would be stepping away from football in a statement on Wednesday having played more than 400 games for Bay throughout his career.

Budd returns to Winch’s Field after signing for the club in 2017 before going on to enjoy spells with Romford and Brentwood Town.

Manager Ben Smith said: “He (Budd) has got a lot of experience and has been at the club before.

“Experience is key in that position, there’s no secret that we’ve been conceding some poor goals from a defensive point of view. Having experience in there will be the best thing for us going forward to try and stabilise things.”

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The loss of Delo could also open the door for back-up keeper Jake Batchelor to vie for increased opportunities.

“Jake is showing some real promise,” added Smith.

“He’s inexperienced at this level and it will take some time for him to adjust to playing regularly.

“He’s got all the attributes and it’s not like he’s at the end of his career so there’s a good chance for Jake.”

Delo, who started his career with Charlton, has also spent time with Folkestone and Canterbury, reaching the FA Vase semi-final under Smith with the latter last season.

“I’m gutted it’s come to an end for him,” said Smith. “He’s been an outstanding goalkeeper for many years. I took him out of retirement two years ago and he’s been fantastic since he’s been with me.

“He’s been very loyal through testing times, obviously last year (with Smith’s sacking at Canterbury). He is one of the most loyal people I could have had around me.

“I’m sad but I’m pleased he was able to see when the time for him to step away was rather than it being forced on him. He can certainly leave having no regrets.

“It’s not a case of him officially retiring, it’s more him stepping away and not putting a label on it because you never know what happens.”

Smith believes the decision is one Delo had been contemplating for some time before his confirmation, which arrived on the back of Monday’s 3-0 defeat to Whitstable.

“I think it’s been in his head a little while,” admitted Smith.

“Maybe had he started the season how he wanted to start it, it might be different but he’s an honest and proud man.

“If he feels he’s not at the level he should be or can be then he’s made the right decision.

“It shows what he’s like as a person and he’s had that honest conversation with me. He isn’t just going to hang around for the money.”

Bay are due to host Cray Valley in the league on Saturday before visiting AFC Croydon on Tuesday for their FA Cup preliminary round replay.

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