Hythe boss Scott Porter says he couldn’t compete with Faversham’s offer which has lured away Aaron Lacy.

The 31-year-old versatile defender and long-throw specialist has switched to Salters Lane after being a regular member of the side.

He joined from Margate last summer, making 44 appearances in the team that finished eighth in their maiden Ryman League, Division 1 season and lifted the Kent Senior Cup.

Porter said: "There are no hard feelings between me and Aaron, he has left on good terms, and it’s part and parcel of football.

"I can’t and wouldn’t compete or even justify paying the sort of money Faversham have offered.

"What it does do is free up some money to strengthen the squad in other areas.

"We have got enough cover defensively and it will give people like Tom Parkinson his chance at right-back.

"He waited patiently for his chance last season and was quality every time he played. Craig Cloke can also play there."