Margate have raided Kent rivals Folkestone Invicta to sign striker Joe Taylor.

Taylor, who was Invicta's top goalscorer with 27 goals in the 2016/17 season, has moved to the Gate after turning down new and improved terms at the Fullicks.

The forward lives in Thanet and spent 15 years at Margate progressing from their youth set up to the first team.

Gate joint manager Mike Sandmann said: "Joe is a fantastic signing for us, he knows the club well having played here as a youth player, so it’s nice that fans will be able to give him a warm welcome back.”

Invicta boss Neil Cugley said he was not surprised to learn Taylor had chosen Margate after deciding to leave their Bostik Premier neighbours.

He said: "We needed to know what was going on and I'd been trying to get hold of him without success for several days now. I believe he'd been talking to a couple of clubs, but it's hardly a surprise that he's chosen to go there.

"He lives in Thanet, spent a long time with Margate in his younger days and knows a lot of people in that area.

"I've no idea what they offered him, but he's got a young family so I'm sure that all those things were factors in him making this decision. He texted me on Thursday to say he was leaving.

"He's a nice lad and said some kind things about the way that he's been treated here at Folkestone, thanking both myself and Edgy (assistant manager Roland Edge) for what we'd done for him during his time with us."

Taylor's arrival at Hartsdown is the latest in a busy week for Gate who have also re-signed forward Frannie Collin and full-back Tom Mills.

Joint boss Sandmann said of the pair: "I’m really pleased to have Frannie re-sign as he brings good experience to the team and he is a proven goal scorer.

"I’m confident he can build on the 19 goals he got last season and prove to be a really influential player for us.

"'Millsy' is another key player to retain. Fans saw the quality and stability he brings to our defence and I’ve said it before, it’s a real testament to the club that players are committed to what we’re trying to build here.”

“The squad is starting to really come together and the most pleasing thing is how much players want to stay and continue to be part of something good here at Margate FC.”

Winger Dave Martin has however quit Margate after being unable to agree fresh terms while young keeper Patrick Lee has also left in a bid to find regular first team football.

Margate revealed on Friday afternoon that Alex Flisher has agreed new terms to stay at Hartsdown Park for the 2018/19 season.

Flisher’s first-season for the club was cut short by an ACL injury obtained in the Gate’s final pre-season fixture away at Ramsgate last August.

Since, then he has undergone surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process which means the former Maidstone man could well be involved with the pre-season fixture schedule.

Joint manager Mike Sandmann said: "It’s been a really positive week. Players are keen to be involved with what we’re continuing to build here and it’s great that Flish is one of those and will be with us this season. After his injury last year, it’s like having a new signing and it will be great to have him back out on the pitch.”

“Fans saw glimpses of Flish's ability and creativity and he has been working tirelessly with his rehab to make brilliant progress from a serious injury. He’s positive and we’re positive about that and will continue to monitor and support him, so hopefully it’s sooner rather than later that we get him back in a Blues shirt.”