GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford has completed his third summer signing. He has brought Lou Watts back to Stonebridge Road from Welling.

Watts, who was out of contract at Park View Road, took no convincing about rejoining the Fleet. Ford said: "Lou played for a number of seasons in the Conference with Welling and the opportunity to return to the competition was a big attraction.

"He can play as a sweeper, centre-half and right-back so he's pretty versatile which increased his appeal. He's physically strong and that was also a factor because we must be strong defensively in the Conference."

Watts joins Mark Bentley and Jimmy Strouts among the Fleet's new signings with the possibility of a fourth to follow. Ford is negotiating with another player.

Meanwhile, the Fleet have secured defender Matt Lee on a new one-year deal. The former Charlton YTS trainee, currently in his second spell with the club, first moved to Stonebridge Road in the 1999-20000 season before leaving to travel the world.

He returned to play for Sutton before rejoining the Fleet at the start of the 2000-2001 season. He was voted the club's Young Player of the Year two seasons ago.

"Anyone who saw Matt's performances last season will not be in the least bit surprised that we've renewed his contract," said Ford who is still talking to other players regarding new deals.

When the Conference season gets underway on August 17, the Fleet players will take to the field with squad numbers and their names on their shirts after the league approved the idea. "It brings us into line with the Nationwide League," said a Conference spokesman.