CONFERENCE new boys Gravesend & Northfleet have made their first two signings of the summer as manager Andy Ford strengthens his midfield for the coming season.

The Fleet have snapped up Dover's experienced tough-tackler Jimmy Strouts on a free transfer just a couple of days after another midfielder, Mark Bentley, joined from Aldershot.

Strouts, who scored 40 goals in 250 appearance for the Whites in his two spells at Crabble, has plenty of versatility having played in a number of positions throughout the side, while Bentley, who has had trials with both Crewe and Southampton, is also an attacking threat.

Ford said: "Jimmy is a no-nonsense, experienced, goalscoring midfielder and I think he could be part of something we are trying to build at Gravesend.

"When good players become available for no fee we need to talk to them. Mark also adds to the squad, meaning I will now face difficult decisions next year picking three or four midfielders for each game."

After gaining promotion out of the Ryman League Premier Division last season, Ford maintains his squad needs to be strengthened further if they are going to compete in the Conference.

However, the club boss is also desperate to keep hold of the best players he currently has, like Jamie Turner, Danny Lye and Craig Wilkins, who have all agreed new deals.

Ford has also agreed, in principle, to a new contract for himself, which will keep the former Gillingham defender at Stonebridge Road for two more years.