Hythe boss Sam Denly believes new signing Alex Brown will be the best midfielder in Bostik South East.

The former Maidstone man needs to get himself fit first but Denly expects to have him available by September.

Brown suffered a serious injury at Margate but will be making a fresh start at Reachfields this season.

Denly said: “I’m massively pleased to get it over the line.

“He’s a very good player – you’ll do well to find a better midfielder than Alex at this level.

“He’s coming back from his injury so hopefully we can get that done as quickly as possible.

“He’s doing stuff now, he’s running. He’s got to take it easy but he’s looking to be back towards the end of August.

“We don’t want to rush him. We want to make sure his rehab’s done properly and if he does the right things, we’ll get him back as quickly as we can.”

Brown is the third Margate player to head south this summer after striker Frannie Collin and defender Ben Fitchett.

Denly said: “I’ve tried to bring in a mix of experience this year, players who have played higher and know how to compete and get out of leagues.

“I think the league’s going to be very competitive this year, as strong as it’s ever been, seeing teams that have come in and the players certain clubs are signing.

“It’s going to be a very difficult league to get out of so I’m under no illusions. You’ve got to be at your very best almost every week to be up there.

“But we’ve signed well, I’m happy with what we’ve got and there may be a few more movements between now and the beginning of the season.”

Denly hopes Brown will be part of creating an even better atmosphere around the club – off the pitch as well as on it.

“That’s one thing I want to improve,” he said. “It was good last year but you can’t stand still.

“I’ve got good lads at the club already who want to work hard and do the right things – Chris Kinnear, Charlie Webster, Tom Carlton and Ollie Rowe.

“I’ve got a really good mix this year of experience and young lads coming through like Sid Sollis, who’s got a fantastic attitude and raw talent.

“I’m excited. The dressing room’s going to be very good, mixed with a lot of quality, so I think we’ve got the balance right this year.”

Mitchell Dickenson has left the club to sign for Hemel Hempstead while Ryan Nicholls will be first-choice goalkeeper.

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