FORMER Margate goalkeeper Phil Smith has been handed the chance of a return to league football with League 2 side Swindon Town.

The 26-year-old stopper, who started his career at Millwall, has been given a one-year contract by new boss Dennis Wise after a trial at the County Ground.

Smith left Hartsdown Park two years ago, when the club were demoted from the Nationwide Conference and moved to Crawley, who have released him from his contract after going into administration.

Smith’s switch follows former team-mate Sam Sodje’s dream move to Premiership new boys Reading.

The Nigerian defender moved in a deal initially worth £350,000 which could rise to £500,000 on appearances.

Sodje attracted the attention of several top clubs before Royals boss Steve Coppell clinched the deal to take him to the Madejski Stadium on a three-year contract.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Hartsdown Park every week in the Thanet Extra.