GRAVESEND manager Liam Daish admitted the club fought off stiff competition to complete the signing of attacking midfielder Jon Keeling from Canvey.

The 30-year-old should prove a valuable addition to Daish’s ever-increasing squad. The Gravesend boss was particularly pleased to get his man, who will provide plenty of attacking options.

It proves that, despite operating with one of the Conference’s smaller budgets, a move to Stonebridge Road is still an attractive proposition.

Daish said: "There were a couple of other clubs that wanted to sign him.

"There was a Conference South side who have been paying out big money and another Conference club were chasing him too.

"It’s a good coup for us to get him at Gravesend. He’s got great ability."

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