Gary Abbott has been involved in a flurry of transfer activity ahead of Sittingbourne’s Ryman League Division 1 South season opener at home to Dulwich on Saturday.

Experienced defender Joe Vines, keeper Matt Reed, centre-back Joe Bannan and former Ashford pair Ross Morley and Ian Batten have all signed in the past few days.

Abbott said: “Joe is a good mate of mine and we have played against each other a few times over the years.

“He was going to VCD but nothing happened there and Tonbridge and Bromley had no room for him.

“Joe knows he is not going to get a lot of money but he just wants to play. I don’t know how long he will be with us, it could be five games, 10 or even 15.”

Reed’s arrival means that Abbott has released Steve Northwood, who only signed last week, while youngster Adam Molloy has joined Chatham.

“Matt played against us for Carshalton in a friendly the other week, then they let him go,” added Abbott. “I signed Steve on the Tuesday and then found out the following day Matt was available, he was my No.1 target and Northy understood that.

Ryan Golding (three games) and Joe Horlock (two) both miss the start of the season because of suspension.

Bourne have just missed out on the play-offs twice in two years and Abbott added: “I was unhappy to see Matt Bourne and Colin Richmond both leave but I think we have a better squad now than last year. We are going out to win the league and getting to the play-offs is absolute minimum.”