Hythe Town have beaten off some serious competition to sign Aaron Barnes from Welling.

Utility man Barnes had interest from a number of clubs - including offers to stay in National League South.

But he’s turned his back on better financial deals to drop two levels and link up with the Cannons in Isthmian South East.

Barnes has a good relationship with Cannons boss Steve Watt and knows the club, having previously spent time with them in pre-season.

The 26-year-old, a product of Arsenal’s academy, made his professional debut for Charlton before joining Colchester and he’s also played for Torquay.

“I’ve known him for a while,” said Watt.

“Just on the off-chance we were away together on a tour for work, we got chatting and things materialised.

“I don’t know how we got him. I’ve no idea because he had offers at Step 2, let alone the big spenders in our league.

“It’s definitely not for financial reasons that he’s here.

“It’s our relationship and the fact he knows a few of the boys.

“He’s actually been with us in the last two pre-seasons and he played 45 minutes against K Sports in a friendly when he was between clubs.

“Sometimes in life it’s all about timing - it’s fallen into our lap.

“We fought off competition from some of the biggest clubs in Kent at Step 2 and below. I’m surprised but really pleased. It’s a massive signing for the club.

“I don’t know exactly what offers were made to him in terms of finances but he’s weighed them up against working for someone he doesn’t know and playing with players he doesn’t know and he’s decided to come here.

“People must think we’re throwing money about to sign him but that isn’t the case. Our budget is exactly the same as last year.

“We made him an offer he was happy with, that fitted into our wage structure.

“Credit to him for, not taking a chance on us, but wanting to be part of what we’ve built here. It shows how far the club has come in the last 12 months to attract a player of his calibre.

“It sends a good, positive message that we want to try and kick on.”

Barnes’ quality is a major plus for Hythe, not to mention his versatility, having lost the services of Marvin Hamilton this summer.

Watt made it a priority to replace Hamilton and the Isthmian South East play-off finalists have found their man.

“He’s got bags and bags of quality, he’s experienced and his football IQ is very high,” said Watt. “You could put him in any position and he’d do a very good job.

“He can play anywhere in the backline or in midfield - he’s just a very, very good footballer.

“We had quality players last year but I felt we needed a little bit more.

“We lost Marv, who was always going to be tough to replace, but we’ve managed to do that with Barnsey.

“He’s still only in his mid-20s, so he’s a good age, and he’s a great guy to have in the dressing room, which is one of the most important things.

“He’s an excellent character who will fit in perfectly. He ticks all the boxes.”