Maidstone United are signing Billy Bricknell and Shane Huke from Ebbsfleet.

Prolific striker Bricknell and defender Huke have agreed 18-month deals at the Gallagher Stadium.

United have been chasing Bricknell for weeks and beat off big competition to land the 26-year-old after his Fleet contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Stones are also able to bring in Huke after the defender was told he could leave Stonebridge Road.

The pair will train with their new team-mates tonight (Thursday) and could make their debuts when the Ryman League Premier Division leaders host Hornchurch on Saturday.

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders said: "When good players become available you've got to look.

"I didn't want to pass up the chance to sign them and then be in a position in a few weeks' time where I wish I'd gone for them.

"Billy's scored 10 in 15 starts for Ebbsfleet this season and his record when he played in the Ryman Prem was excellent.

"I remember playing against him and you could see how good he was.

"He's always scored goals and you can never have enough goalscorers at your club.

"Hukey can play centre-half, right-back or holding midfield. He gives us options and is a very good player. At 29, he's also a good age.

"Steve Watt's had his injury problems here and there and Jamie Coyle's been struggling with a groin problem, plus he's got a work commitment coming up that will see him miss a game or two, so it was important to get someone in."

For the full story, see Friday's Kent Messenger