Chatham Town have announced a big new signing ahead of their Friday night friendly against Gillingham.

Front-man Freddie Sears is the latest addition to the Isthmian Premier Division squad - a player who once played and scored for West Ham United and has bags of Football League experience.

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Sears was at Chatham to watch their game against Coventry City under-21s on Tuesday night and is set to play a part on Friday night when they take on a Gills XI.

The 34-year-old striker said: “The whole project excites me. I’ve been speaking to the manager, and I came here the other night and I was blown away by the set-up and the ambition.

“I want to come here and get promoted and hopefully kick on to the next division. I want to get going and start playing. I am itching to get out there again - I can’t wait.”

Sears was most recently playing for Braintree Town in the National League – the top tier of the non-league game – but earlier on in his career he played top-flight football with both West Ham and Crystal Palace.

Chats said: ”With 464 appearances across the EFL, Sears brings in invaluable experience to boost the Chats ranks.”

Sears played over 150 games in two spells at Colchester United, either side of a six-year spell at Ipswich Town, where he made over 200 appearances.

He was recently at Dagenham before moving to Braintree at the end of last season.

Chats have said he will be available for the match against Gillingham, which kicks off tonight (Friday) at 7.45pm.

The home side are also set to include former Gillingham captain Stuart O’Keefe in their side after his summer move to the Bauvill Stadium.