Ben Smith insists departing Herne Bay striker Aaron Millbank will always be remembered fondly at the club.

Millbank joined Southern Counties East Premier Division Deal this week.

The 27-year-old signed for Bay from rivals Whitstable last season and helped guide them to promotion, scoring a vital winner against Chichester before he converted a penalty to put Smith’s side 2-0 ahead in their Isthmian South East play-off final against Ashford.

Smith said: “My phone was constantly buzzing with people enquiring about him.

“It’s one of those - did it work out? No of course it didn’t, not how we wanted [it] to, but he came to help us get promotion - and he did that.

“His goal against Chichester and the penalty to seal the win against Ashford were special moments. They will not be forgotten at this football club.

“You want players to be remembered and, no doubt, he will be remembered.

"Whether it worked out with style of play or not, he worked his socks off every game.

“He leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the club. Sometimes, it just doesn’t click. That’s football.

"But I’m really pleased he went to Deal.

“Kingy [Deal boss Steve King] is a good guy and I tip them to have a good season, especially with Millers there.”

Others to leave ahead of Bay's debut campaign in Isthmian Premier include defenders Joe Denny and Reion McFarlane, and midfielders Bola Dawodu and Kane Phillip.

Smith, who has been busy making plenty of signings ahead of their season opener at Potters Bar this Sunday, added: “They have been part of our history and they leave with the club’s very best wishes.

“In terms of more outgoings, I think there will be after bringing in players this week.

“Really, you need an 18-man squad for the season but it’s difficult to keep 18 players happy - and we have 20 or 21 at the minute.

“But we will make the right decision for the football club.”