Deal have signed a former Gillingham striker.

Aaron Millbank, 27, scored in the play-off final in April to help Herne Bay earn promotion to Isthmian Premier but has now left Winch’s Field and decided to play for the Hoops in the Southern Counties East Premier Division, with Deal beating off competition for his signature.

Millbank came through Gillingham’s youth system and also has played for Whitstable.

Manager Steve King told the club: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Aaron has decided to join the club.

“He is someone I admire greatly, [he] will bring a lot to the team and the way we want to play. As ever, when a player of his calibre becomes available, there is always a lot of interest and I am delighted he has decided to join at this exciting time.

“He knows a lot of the players already and I have no doubt he will fit in with the group straight away.

“This is a real coup for the club and it is great that we are able to attract the best local players to the Charles Ground to continue to strengthen our existing squad.

“Aaron has been a target of mine for a number of years and I can’t wait to see him in a Deal shirt.”

The news comes ahead of Deal’s FA Cup extra preliminary round replay at Egham Town tomorrow night.

On Saturday, the two sides drew 2-2 at the Charles Sports Ground, with Ben Chapman and Jack Penny putting the Hoops two goals to the good before the away team hit back.

King says Deal will be underdogs in Surrey as they face each other once again - but that’s not a tag he minds.

“It’s a very tough one, it was a very evenly-matched game on Saturday. It looked like two sides that have done well in their leagues,” he said.

“We have to travel around the M25 but it’s all still to play for. I would rather travel there and be in it than already be out.

“It’s fair to say they are favourites now but we don’t mind being underdogs. We have a couple of boys missing with knocks.

“We will have to play well but there’s no reason we cannot win the game. But it certainly will not be an easy one.”

Millbank isn’t available to play against Egham but Deal say they expect him to make his debut at Punjab this weekend.