Winger Matt Bodkin has joined Maidstone United from Margate on a one-year deal.

He is the first signing of the close season and arrives at the Gallagher Stadium having been named both players’ player and supporters’ player-of-the-year at Gate.

Boss Jay Saunders has also agreed terms with midfielder Michael Phillips but Jerrome Sobers and Kiernan Hughes-Mason have been released.

Saunders is a long-time admirer of former Gillingham player Bodkin and has finally got his man.

He said: “I tried to get him two years ago and again at the beginning of last season but he’d already agreed a deal with Margate.

“I know how good he is from watching him and playing against him over the years.

“He’s a quality player and having just turned 30, he has the experience we need without being over the hill.

“Wide-right is where he made his name but he can also play wide-left and in the middle in a three."

Centre-half Sobers has been released due to injury concerns, while winger Hughes-Mason made little impact in his short spell at United.