Defenders Steve Lloyd and Gary Sayer have joined Herne Bay following their release by rivals Whitstable Town.

Bay boss Simon Halsey (pictured) has vowed to turn Lloyd into a ball-playing centre-half, while he’s delighted to land right-back Sayer having tried to sign him earlier this summer.

Halsey is set to complete his squad for the new Ryman League, Division 1 South season with the signing of a striker.

Lloyd is an old favourite of Bay fans after a successful spell at Winch’s Field earlier in his career.

He played in the 1-0 Carl Davies Memorial Trophy win against Woodstock Sports last Wednesday and again on Saturday when Bay lost 2-0 to Royston.

Halsey said: "He has a reputation for being a good defender who heads the ball away but to be what I class as a Herne Bay player, he’s got to be able to play football.

"He’s taken stick over the years but the only reason he’s kicked it long and headed the ball out is because that’s what he’s been told to do.

"He’s 27 now but I’m confident we can coach him to play from the back. If he’s able to adapt, he’ll be an important part of the squad."

Sayer played more than 250 games for Whitstable and looked set to stay at the Belmont but was released following a 4-3 friendly defeat by Canterbury.

Halsey said: "He’s got a bit of a groin tweak at the moment but he’s a player I know well from my days at Whitstable and he has three or four years’ experience in this league."

Herne Bay beat Kent Invicta League side Lewisham Borough 4-0 on Wednesday night, thanks to goals from George Landais (2), Josh Sergeant and Danny Williams. sealed a much derserved victory against the Kent Invicta League Side.

They travel to Ryman League, Division 1 North side Romford for their final pre-season friendly on Saturday (3pm).