Hythe Town’s contingent of former Maidstone players helped persuade Graeme Andrews to make his move from the Gallagher Stadium to Reachfields.

The 29-year-old defender left the Stones on Thursday and turned down offers from other Kent clubs to sign for Scott Porter’s side.

With four of his ex-Maidstone team-mates already at the club, it was a relatively simple decision for Andrews to make.

Hythe boss Porter said: "He knows Tommy Osborne, Shaun Welford, Danny Lye and Dan Stubbs. That helps, 100%. Once you get one or two (players), you’ll get three or four and they’re coming from a good club.

"I’ve got a good relationship with Jay (Saunders). He phoned me on Thursday morning straight away and said he was going to be available. Graeme’s got Ryman Premier pedigree and been consistent for them this year.

"Ramsgate were interested, so it was important to get his signature.

"I’m looking to next season as well. A few clubs around this area were after him but I want a settled side, to push on for next year. It’ll be a good partnership between him and Craig Cloke and he looked settled on Saturday."