Herne Bay have strengthened their defence this summer adding three centre-halves to their ranks.

Former West Ham, Gillingham, Charlton and Dartford defender Matt Fry has joined the club.

The 27-year-old was last at National League North side York City but retired from full-time football on medical advice last season after a series of knee injuries.

Joint managers John Embery and Jermaine Darlington have also added former Millwall youth player James White and Nick Reeves, who has experienced with Maidstone United, Hythe and Sittingbourne.

Embery said: “We have brought in some experienced defenders, which is what we felt the squad needed. We have added James White, Nick Reeves and Matt Fry who are all centre-halves.

“We have got a few players back from injury as well, which will really add to our squad this season.

“We did not need to bring in too many players. We were able to keep everyone we wanted to keep hold of. From that point of view we are very happy.”

Bay finished 12th in the Bostik South last season and are aiming to kick on towards promotion this year.

They have pre-season friendlies at home to Canvey Island on Saturday and then at Clapton on Tuesday.

Embery’s side begin the Bostik South East season with a local derby at home to Faversham Town.

He said: “We are in a good place and are happy with how pre-season has been going.

“Pre-season training started for us at the end of June so we have been back for a few weeks now so the fitness levels are very good.

“There are still a few trialists we are looking at but we hope to cut that down in the next week.

“We are looking forward to that first game of the season as it’s always nice having a local derby first up.”