By Kevin Redsull

Deal Town skipper Dave Bathgate is leaving the club to join Faversham Town.

The 29-year-old midfielder joined Deal in 2003 during manager Derek Hares’ first season in charge at the Charles Ground and made 251 appearances, scoring 85 goals.

Hares said: "Bathy has been a superb servant to the club and I’m disappointed to lose him but Faversham have offered him the opportunity to play for them in the Ryman League and he feels he has got to take the chance now before he gets any older."

Faversham initially offered Bathgate the chance to join them toward the end of last season when they were well on their way to winning the Kent League title, but Bathgate decided to see out the campaign with Deal.

However, a renewed offer from the Lilywhites to play for them in their first season in the Ryman League has proved too good to turn down for the former Dover Athletic reserve team player.

On the plus side, Hares has been encouraged by the turn-out at the club’s initial training sessions, saying: "We had 26 turn up last week and I’m hoping to bring in a couple of new faces soon."

Deal begin their pre-season friendly programme on Tuesday with a home game against Kent County League side Milton & Fulston United.