Hythe Town have signed Laurence Harvey from Whitstable Town and fellow defender Craig Cloke has agreed a new deal at Reachfields.

Harvey is Tim Dixon’s first new signing as Hythe manager, while Cloke is the latest member of last season’s squad to commit for the 2014-15 campaign.

Dixon said: "Laurence was wanted by a few clubs but he’s seen what we’re trying to do at Hythe and he’s excited about it.

"I like his all-round approach. He’s decent in both boxes, he can head the ball and he plays football as well. He’s a professional tennis coach and he’s got that mentality, he’s switched on. We had a chat a couple of weeks ago and the way he came across, his personality and his character, he wanted to do things properly."

He added: "Clokey is a important signing for us. He’s been on the radar of other clubs but has stayed loyal to Hythe and will play an important part in the progression of our younger players.

"His leadership skills are second to none and we have two players in Laurence Harvey and Lee Pleau that will benefit from his experience."

Hythe are holding the second of two trials for their under-18 side on Thursday at South Road Recreation Ground.