Hythe Town boss Scott Porter has hailed the arrival of striker Shaun Welford as a massive signing for the club.

The move to Reachfields sees him link-up with his sixth Kent club, and Porter said: “He was my number one target and I am delighted to get him.”

Former Maidstone skipper Welford turned down the move at the start of the year, when Hythe made their first move, scoring twice twice in a 4-3 win at Reachfields a couple of days later, on his way to scoring 13 goals in 38 games.

Welford, who turned 34 on Tuesday, was Stones leading marksman last season with 32, and has also played for Corinthian, Ramsgate, Dover and Margate.

Hythe reportedly beat off three Division 1 South rivals including relegated Hastings, and newly-promoted Redhill to get him.

Porter said: “I have been after him for a while, we lacked an out-and-out goalscorer apart from Dave Cook last season, and Shaun is proven at this level, with a good engine and great attitude.

“He has heard great things about the club, and brings a lot of experience and goals. I have got four targets, he was the main one, and I am still talking to the three others."

Welford’s arrival has forced Porter to release popular striker Brendon Cass.
He added: “It was a tough decision, because I have got so much respect for Cassy, His goals got us out of the Kent League, but that’s football and I wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Midfielder Ronnie Dolan has still to decide on his future with the club.