Maidstone United have signed Stephen Butcher following his release by Gillingham.

United have also announced new deals for midfielders Alex Brown and Charley Robertson.

Defender Butcher, 19, was offered terms after impressing on loan for Stones at the end of last season, while Brown, 21, and academy graduate Charley Robertson, 18, are crowd favourites in midfield.

Maidstone boss Jay Saunders said: “I am pleased to get these deals done.

“All three are a good age and, with the right attitude, they’ve got the potential to go far.

“Supporters know Browny and Charley well and briefly got to see what Butch is all about during his loan spell.

“We’ve got a good blend of youth and experience and these signings give us the strength in depth we need.

"It’ll be great to get all the boys back in a couple of weeks and start preparations for this much-anticipated season.”