Lydd have signed “fox in the box” striker Richard Atkins from Whitstable.

Atkins, whose former clubs include Folkestone, could make his debut when Town visit FC Elmstead in Southern Counties East Division 1 this Saturday (3pm).

It’s their final game of 2022 and manager Mickey Doyle hopes the signing of Atkins will help them finish the year on a high.

“He’s a true No.9,” said Doyle. “He doesn’t like being involved in the build-up, he’s a fox in the box who gets in the area and scores goals.

“He adds to the firepower we’ve got and brings that bit of experience. He ticks all the boxes.

“He’s been training well. He looks nice and fit, he just needs to knock the rust off in games.

“As soon as he finds the net once, I know he’ll score plenty more. He’s a great signing.”

Third-placed Lydd, whose home game against SC Thamesmead last Saturday was postponed due to a frozen pitch, have received another boost in attack.

Leading scorer Ryan Philpott is set to return after recovering from a collarbone injury and could also feature this weekend.

“We’ve missed him - it will be like a new signing for us,” said Doyle.

“We’ve had to be careful with him. We didn’t want to rush him back and then lose him for longer.

“He trained last week and he’s had no issue with the fitness plan we’ve put in place for him.”

Doyle feels Lydd will need to be at their best to beat an Elmstead side who are on the fringes of the play-off battle in eighth place.

“They can beat anyone on their day,” said Doyle.

“They’ve got a good forward and are building quite a good side. I think they’re dark horses for the play-offs if they string a few wins together.

“We need to make sure we’re on top of our game.”