Ashford have pulled off a big signing with the addition of Lee Martin.

The former Manchester United, Ipswich and Millwall man arrives at Homelands after spending last season at Ramsgate.

The Nuts & Bolts have also announced the key signing of goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney, who worked with boss Danny Kedwell at Chatham last season.

Martin, 37, had an outstanding campaign as Rams reached the FA Cup second round for the first time in their history, scoring the winner in their first-round tie against National League Woking.

He was also a key performer in the league as Ben Smith’s side went toe-to-toe with Cray Valley for the Isthmian South East title before finishing runners-up and missing out in the play-offs despite wracking up 89 points and 106 goals.

Martin, who’s also played for Gillingham and Ebbsfleet, completed his move to Ashford on Thursday night, having held talks with manager Danny Kedwell at Saturday’s training session.

“I know him personally so I said let’s have a chat,” said Kedwell.

“I got him in on Saturday, when we were training, and we had a good chat and he agreed to sign for us.

“He’s still a class player and he gives more experience in there.

“I was looking at it and it’s Craig Stone, James Dunne and Gary Lockyer who are in their 30s.

“The rest are young and, in some cases, very young, so it’s good to have Lee in there. He’s a big signing for us.”

Beeney, meanwhile, was Kedwell’s No.1 target to fill the goalkeeping spot.

The son of former Maidstone and Leeds stopper Mark Beeney, he’s exactly what the Nuts & Bolts manager was looking for.

“He’s a good keeper,” said Kedwell. “With the way I want to play, I need someone who’s good with their feet as well, and Mitchell is. He’s another important signing.”

Ashford, who’ve also signed Joey Taylor and Jack Saunders this week, host Erith & Belvedere in their opening friendly on Saturday (1pm).