A former Gillingham, Ebbsfleet, Dover and Maidstone midfielder has penned a two-year contract with Folkestone.

Dean Rance will join Isthmian Premier Invicta permanently from the 2024/25 season after initially signing on loan from National League North Scunthorpe.

The 32-year-old links-up with former Fleet team-mate Andy Drury, now in charge of Folkestone.

“We’re delighted to get Dean signed on so quickly after the end of the season,” Drury told the club website as he unveiled his first summer signing.

“He is, without a doubt, one of the best midfielders in this league, bringing good experience, leadership and quality.

“He wins his tackles and headers, and gives you everything you want from a central midfielder.

“Lots of conversations are ongoing with both our current players and those we want to bring into the club, and this is a good start to what we expect to be an exciting summer.”

While on loan, Rance made 16 appearances, one off the substitutes’ bench, during four months with the club.

He won National League South promotion alongside Drury at Ebbsfleet in 2017, as the pair played together from 2016 until 2019.

Rance, who started at Gillingham, initially signed for Scunthorpe last March.

He previously had two loan spells at Maidstone and earned a permanent deal with Dover for the 2012/13 season after a loan stint.