Three members of Hythe’s squad last season have committed themselves to the club following the arrival of new boss Tim Dixon.

Striker Craig Thompson, and defenders Lee Pleau and John Walker have agreed to sign, but Macauley Murray has moved on already, having returned for Ramsgate, joining dad Paul at Southwood, only days after switching from Ryman League Division 1 South rivals Whitstable.

Dixon said: "It is disappointing to see Macauley go, because he was one of my main transfer targets.

"It is one of those things, I wish him all the best because he is a smashing lad."

Thompson, Pleau and Walker were all regulars under former boss Scott Porter, before the whole squad pledged to follow him out of the club, following his decision to quit, following disagreements over budgets.

Thompson said: “It’s not exactly a change of heart on my part. We were always going to walk with Scott and there was agreement on that

“Tim has offered me a good deal, which I couldn’t turn down. I live in Dover, but work at Cheriton, so Hythe is on my doorstep,

"My wife Annabel is due to have a baby next week, and that played a big part in my decision.”