Clive Cook says Mitchell Dickenson is at the right club if he wants another chance in the Football League.

The 20-year-old former Gillingham defender joined Hythe last week, ending the Reachfields boss’ efforts to replace Craig Cloke.

Dickenson made two senior appearances at Priestfield, making his debut in the EFL Trophy tie against Luton a year ago and his league bow as a substitute at Bury in March, before being released at the end of last season. He also had loan spells at Whitstable, East Grinstead and Hastings.

Cook said: “Mitchell is an old fashioned centre-half, big and strong and a smashing lad. I am looking forward to working with him.

“I have been trying all pre-season to find someone to replace Clokey.

"Mitchell has been training at Maidstone and Bromley but just wants to play regular football.”

He added: “I think the Alfie May factor helps us. We are still getting league scouts at our games and the door is open for somebody else.

“Mitchell has certainly got the ability to do it.

“He is still in full-time professional mode but sometimes it’s good to drop back a level.

“There’s life in non league, it allows youngsters to recover (from being released) and go again.”

Meanwhile, Cook still has to make up his mind up between goalkeepers Joe Mant and Will Godmon.

He said: “It’s a big and crucial decision, what is best for the club and where it takes us during the season.

“I have taken my time on it because it’s massive.

“I think I know in my head what I am going to do but still have to cross the t’s and dot the i’s.”

One blow for Cook is that Callum Emptage is set to miss the opening two months of the season after damaging knee ligaments in the friendly against Peacehaven.

The defender has had a scan, and is due to see a specialist again on Thursday.

Winger Tom Loynes (Sheppey) and midfielder Chris Saunders (Chatham) have left Reachfields.

Loynes has moved on dual registration, while the club have also kept Saunders on their roster even though Cook expects to him to feature regularly at the Medway club, having had a loan spell there under boss Paul Piggott last season.

Hythe drew 1-1 at SC Thamesmead on Tuesday night.

They hosting Bowers & Pitsea on Saturday (3pm)