James Rogers has left Maidstone to become Steve Watt’s first signing at Margate.

The midfielder has linked up with his old Stones team-mate, who took charge at the struggling National South club this afternoon.

The pair won the Ryman League Premier Division title at United two years ago and are reunited as Watt tries to drag Gate out of trouble.

Rogers, 32, lost his place at the Gallagher following the arrival of Reece Prestedge and Stuart Lewis, with Stones boss Jay Saunders allowing him to leave for regular football.

He boasts a phenomenal record of six promotions in nine seasons but Gate need his battling qualities for different reasons.

Saunders said: "This was a tricky one for me. Rogo is an absolute character, someone who can liven up any dressing room.

"But I totally understand him making this move. He wants to be playing regularly and with us moving to daytime training next season, he's got to weigh up work and football - especially with a young family.

"He’s been a big part of everything we’ve achieved in the past couple of seasons. It’s been a pleasure to have him at the club and we’ll miss his unique personality, if not his practical jokes!

"There’s not a lad who’s been part of our set-up recently that won’t want to wish him, Lisa and the kids every success for the future.”

It’s Rogers’ second spell at Margate. He was signed by Iain O’Connell from Dover in the 2010-11 season, playing in the same Blues side as Saunders, before joining Dartford.