Herne Bay have completed the signing of striker Stuart Zanone on a one-year deal.

Zanone who celebrates his 31st birthday on Sunday, returns to the county, having had short spells at Hythe, Greenwich Borough and Erith Town, after leaving Ashford United in August.

He scored a club record 47 goals in the Southern Counties East League at Homelands in the previous season

He also played for Cheshunt scoring nine goals in 10 games, and Witham Town in Ryman League North.

Zanone said: "Last season was a bad year for me - I lost my stepfather around the start, wasn't interested in football, and felt lost and angry.

"Losing him was massive, I needed to get away from the game and people, because it was still raw and fresh."

He added: "I had a lot of offers, but nothing I really wanted.

" Sam Denly rang me a while back, but I waited a few months.

"It's a new start and I can't wait, and am ready to really give it my best shot."

Bay boss Denly said: "Stuart's goal scoring record speaks for itself at this level of football and he will be a massive asset to the strong squad we already have."

The Winch's Field squad begin pre-season training on Saturday, with Denly happy that 90% of last season's squad are returning.