Chatham manager Kevin Hake has hailed the signing of former Gillingham youngster Bailey Akehurst.

Medway lad Akehurst joined the Chats after finishing last season at Dover Athletic.

Still only 20, he made his Gills debut as an 18-year-old in a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2021.

The left-back made quite an impression, setting up the visitors’ goal in front of a 20,000 crowd at Hillsborough.

Akehurst had loan spells with Cray Wanderers, Hastings, Cheshunt and Tonbridge while with Gillingham.

He returned to Hastings after leaving Priestfield and also appeared for Erith & Belvedere before heading to Dover.

Hake is delighted to bring him to Maidstone Road, a move that looks a great fit for both parties.

“Bailey is a young local lad who has done well with his career to date,” said Hake, who has also signed defender Toby Stevenson from Margate and ex-Barnet forward Kofi Anokye-Boadi.

“We as a club are always looking to attract the best talent around and Bailey fits into that.

“Our track record of getting the best out of players is second to none as we test them to the limit and that is what I’m finding attracts the players to this club.

“Nothing good ever comes out operating in your comfort zone and we look to constantly improve both on and off the field.”

Chatham have been busy, announcing new deals for Jamie Yila, Reece Butler, Miquel Scarlett and Jabari Christmas.

Hake said: “I’m pleased to say all players who we wanted to stay have remained at the club and I think this is vital along with freshening up with some new faces.”

Meanwhile, Hake collected the Isthmian Premier manager-of-the-year award last weekend.

He led Chats to a runners-up finish in their first season in the division following back-to-back promotions.

They lost to Enfield in the play-off final and hope to go one better this season and reach National League South.

“Winning Isthmian Premier manager-of-the-year was a nice personal achievement as there are some top managers in this league,” said Hake.

“However, to win it again next year sure I’m sure we will have to go one better this year and achieve our primary goal of promotion.”