GRAVESEND have bolstered their squad with a triple signing this week.

Manager Andy Ford has snared centre-back Lee Shearer from Margate, ex-Queens Park Rangers midfielder Patrick Gradley and Andy Drury from near neighbours Sittingbourne.

Ford signed up the trio after they impressed on the club's weekend trip to the West Country.

Shearer, formerly with Dover and Margate, is no stranger to Fleet fans but 20-year-old Gradley comes after his release by Queens Park Rangers.

Drury, who scored 18 goals for the Brickies last season, has signed a two-year deal with Fleet.

But Liam Hatch has gone out the exit door and joined Barnet after the Bees paid £23,000 for the 21-year-old.

With goalkeeper Paul Wilkerson undergoing surgery on Friday for an ankle injury and certain to miss the start of the season, Ford is in the market for another goalkeeper.

An experienced striker is also high on his wanted list after failing in a weekend attempt to sign the much travelled and highly experienced Keith Scott who joined Dagenham & Redbridge instead.

"I thought he was coming to us but at the last minute he decided on Dagenham," said Ford.

"But I haven't given up and will keep looking."

Fleet opened their mini-West Country tour with a 4-0 win on Friday against Team Bath, the student side that reached the first round of the FA Cup last season.

Francis Duku opened the scoring from an Anthony Hogg corner. James Pinnock scored a spectacular second to round off a four-man move before Tostao Kwashi added two more for a comfortable win.

Fleet went down 3-1 at Swindon on Saturday with Pinnock again on target.

After Thursday's friendly at home to Millwall, Fleet are back in action away to Go Travel Kent League Sittingbourne on Saturday before returning to Stonebridge Road on Saturday, July 26 for their traditional friendly against Gillingham which kicks off at 3pm.