Margate have completed the signing of Matt Johnson from Vanarama National League South leaders Ebbsfleet United.

Midfielder Johnson, who joined the Blues on a one-month loan deal at the beginning of December, has put pen to paper on a one-and-a-half year deal at Hartsdown Park.

The 25-year-old made his debut in the club's 3-0 defeat at St Albans in December but also featured in the club's Boxing Day win over Maidstone United and scored his first goal for the club in last week’s 3-2 home victory over Maidenhead United.

Johnson has also previously played at Rushden & Diamonds, Dover, Bishop's Stortford and Braintree, and Margate boss Nikki Bull said: “It is a very important signing for us, he is a big presence for us in midfield.

"A lot of his work goes somewhat unnoticed but he gets around the pitch and also scores goals like we saw last week.”

Margate have also confirmed that midfielder Solomon Taiwo has been released from his contract.

The former Cardiff City and Dover Athletic player made 23 appearances for the Blues but has found game time limited after recently returning from injury.

Bull explained: "Solomon is fully fit but he has found game time hard to come by but his attitude has been first class.

"Sometimes you join a club and it just doesn’t work out, it happened to me during my career.

“Sol has a great attitude and I am sure he will move on from here and go on and have a good season but it just didn’t work out for him here”.