LORDSWOOD FC are gearing up for the Go Travel Kent League, Premier Division season by welcoming back an old player and giving a trial to an Italian one.

Defender David Johnson returns to the club after an absence of two seasons and Gianluca Peron is training with the club.

Boss Barry Zillwood said: “David is a quality player who will certainly strengthen the team. He left because work commitments stopped him playing Saturday football, but his circumstances have changed and we're delighted he's back.

“We don't know too much about Gianluca at the moment, but he's been looking good in training.

“He's moved to the country and played a decent standard of football back in Italy, but we won't really get to see what type of player he is until we've seen him in a few games.”

The two new arrivals will get their chance to shine on Tuesday when Lordswood travel to local rivals Chatham Town for a friendly.

Somebody who won't be taking part is the team's only injured player, Ray Broad who is still suffering from a niggling back strain.

Zillwood said: “Ray won't be in the shake-up for a couple of weeks, but should be fit for the start of the season.

“We plan to use the Chatham game to try formations and give everyone a run-out. I don't believe the result is important and instead will be concentrating on performance levels.”