Hythe Town have secured the services of the best striker in Bostik South East as they plot an assault on the league title.

That's the view of boss Sam Denly after Zak Ansah turned down rival offers to sign a new deal at Reachfields.

Ansah only joined Hythe midway through last season but netted 20 goals in 19 games and broke the club record by scoring in 10 consecutive matches.

Now he'll lead the line from August as the Cannons go for automatic promotion.

Denly said: "It's a massive signing and it shows what we're trying to do at Hythe.

"In Zak, we've got the best striker in the league unquestionably. Zak had a lot of calls but he's enjoying his football and we've signed well.

"His phone hasn't stopped ringing but we knew that was going to happen.

"His work outside football takes up a lot of his time and he's got a good balance at the moment with work and football.

"He was out for a number of years with injuries and, at the moment, it's just about enjoying himself - which he's doing.

"There's a lot to be said for that and hopefully he continues scoring goals for us.

"I'm very pleased to get Zak's signature. Conversations were ongoing for a few weeks and I wouldn't say it's the final piece of the jigsaw but we're certainly in a good position moving forward.

"We're looking very strong and hopefully it can make for an exciting season."

Hythe's players will report back for the start of pre-season training on June 30 with Dover providing the opposition in their first friendly at Reachfields in July 9.

"The sooner we get back, the better," Denly said. "The way last season finished, we're all buzzing to get back on the training pitch and enjoy playing football again.

"We're going to keep adding where we can but I'm not calling players. We've got competition in all positions now and I've got four or five lads coming down for trials in pre-season.

"I'm sure there will be a little bit of movement between now and the start of the season but I'm happy with what I've got.

"The supporters have been behind me since I got here. We've had meetings at the club which have been full and everyone's saying the right things.

"It's a good place to be and the players are feeding off that energy."