Sam Denly has signed Stephen Ita just days after he played against Herne Bay in a pre-season friendly.

The striker impressed when he turned out for Woodstock Sports in the Carl Davies Memorial Match at Sittingbourne a couple of weeks ago, leading to Denly lodging a seven-day approach for him, and the Bay boss is pleased to have got his man.

Denly said: “We lost 2-1 and he caused us problems. He is very direct and pacy, and got a bit of quality about him.

“He wants to play at a higher level, but is carrying a little ankle knock at the moment. A few other clubs were chasing him as well."

Ita's arrival comes in the same week as James Brown and Danny Walder both signed for Bay, Brown netting the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Lordswood on Tuesday night.

Denly added: “Stephen’s signing is probably the final piece of the jigsaw. I am looking to have a squad of 20 to cover for injuries and suspensions, but it will be hard to keep everyone happy.”

Fellow-striker Jordan Casey, back from a pre-season spell at Maidstone United, grabbed a hat-trick when Bay beat Canterbury City 5-0 on Saturday, and Denly is challenging the 19-year-old to improve on his impressive goal tally last season.

“He got 16 or 17 then and I’d like him to get 20 plus this time." added the boss.

Bay host Thurrock, managed by former Gillingham boss Mark Stimson on Saturday (3pm).