Margate have moved to cover Lewis Ward's absence by signing a keeper who has previously been on the books of Reading and Ipswich Town.

Jon Henly began his career as a youngster at the Madejski Stadium and enjoyed loan spells with Oxford United, Aldershot and Welling United before signing a one-year deal at Ipswich where he was No.3 choice.

The 22-year-old, who has represented Scotland at both under-19 and under-21 level, joins the Blues on a month's loan from their Vanarama National League South rivals Hemel Hempstead.

Henly - who also had trials with QPR and Ross County - joined the Tudors in the summer but picked up a shoulder injury at the end of August since when Jamie Butler has been No.1 for the Hertfordshire side.

England C keeper Butler had signed for National League Braintree in June but returned to Hemel just a few weeks into the season.

Gate boss Bull revealed he had spoken to Woking-born Henly during the summer before moving for Ward but with the 19-year-old Reading loanee facing six to eight weeks out with a torn quad muscle he re-kindled his interest.

Bull explained: "Jon's been in the system, he was at Reading from the age of 12 to 18 or 19, and then went to Ipswich. He's not been playing since Jamie Butler went back to Hemel from Braintree but he's got plenty of experience already and I think he'll do a good job for us."

Bull revealed that winger Alex Osborn and defender Manny Parry continue to interest other clubs, but admits he would happily keep both at Hartsdown provided they can be accommodated within his revised budget.

He added: "I like them, both as players and as people, so if things don't work out in terms of them getting deals elsewhere I would love to keep them."