FORMER Margate goalkeeper Charlie Mitten is back at Hartsdown Park.

It is manager Chris Kinnear’s first signing as he rebuilds his squad ahead of the new Ryman League campaign which starts next month.

Kinnear said: "Charlie was keen to sign, and is quite confident that everything at the club has been sorted out.

"He is still only 30 and a very talented keeper. He did a great job for us before, then moved away, and we then signed Phil Smith from Dover."

Mitten started his career at Thamesmead, and former Gillingham boss Peter Taylor took him to Priestfield from Dover in October 1999.

He made only one senior appearance before joining Margate in July, 2001. He has also had spells with Gravesend and Welling.

Kinnear said: "I am a lot happier about things than I was this time last year. We were really struggling then, desperately trying to sign players days before the first game."

He added: "I hope we will start with about 14, including several triallists."