Hythe boss Clive Cook has bolstered his defensive ranks with the capture of versatile former Gillingham youngster Callum Emptage.

The 20-year-old can play at full-back, central defence or as a holding midfielder and was most recently at Hastings United, whose former boss Darren Hare had known the youngster since he joined Gills aged eight.

Emptage spent time last season on loan at East Grinstead Town.

Also signing on at Reachfields is Mitchell Chapman who was on loan with the Cannons from Ebbsfleet last season, only to be released last month.

Other players committing their future to the club this week are Dean Grant, Kenny Pogue, Callum Wraight, Ryan Palmer, Charlie Webster, Sam Adams, Harry Carr, Tom Loynes, Ashley Miller, Jay May, Joe Mant, Alex Mulrooney-Skinner, Ryan Johnson, Dave Cook, Chris Saunders, Kieron Campbell, Jerald Aboagye, Matt Newman and Ben Wilson, while Josh Burchell is set to sign on his return from holiday.

Hythe will play in the newly-named Bostik South this season after the adhesive firm took over the sponsorship of the Isthmian League from Ryman.