Hythe Town have bolstered their striking options by re-signing Shaun Welford from Cray Wanderers.

Manager Tim Dixon moved quickly to replace former Gillingham striker Ashley Miller, who left the club to join Ryman League Division 1 South rivals Folkestone this week, as they look to climb the table away from the relegation zone.

Prolific Welford was Hythe's top scorer last season with 38 goals as they finished eighth in Ryman 1 South, just five points outside the play-offs.

But the striker was one of a number of players who left the club in the summer following former manager Scott Porter's exit, and signed for Cray.

However, despite a decent return upfront for Cray they are struggling in the Ryman 1 North relegation zone, and he has returned to help Hythe's fight against the drop.

Welford said: "It's nice to be back, and everyone has welcomed me with open arms.

"I brought my 10-year-old boy with me tonight, he loved it here, everybody looked after him, and when I told him I might be coming back, he jumped for joy.

"Four or five clubs have showed an interest in me, but none took my fancy.
I got a call from Tommy Warrilow (Cray manager) that Hythe had come in for me, and I think he knew it was the one that appealed to me."

Hythe boss Dixon added: "Shaun is a good player and a good person.

"He is honest and hard working and always gives you 100%.

"We are in a bit of a battle and need people like him. I didn't want to lose him in the first place."