Dover Athletic have announced the graduation of Tom Axford from Whites’ Academy to the first team squad along with two new signings.

The young prospect has today signed a one year contract, joining fellow Academy graduates Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett in Nicky Forster’s squad for next season.

Tom featured in midfield for the first team last season in the Kent Senior Cup and has recently been capped by England Schoolboys, playing at right back.

Axford is Forster’s latest signing after securing the services of former St Mirren midfielder Steven Thomson with goalkeeper Mitchell Walker agreeing to join the Whites from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Thomson, 34, will play for Dover Athletic as well as taking up a new job as a financial advisor in London. At Dover, he’ll be reunited with his old pal Nicky Forster, who was a team-mate in their days at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Thomson said: “Fortunately, Nicky heard that I was moving back to London and he called me.”

“He’s now the manager of Dover and signing for them gives me the chance to continue playing on a part-time basis.”

“I love the game, so it’s the best of both worlds. This move will suit me down to the ground.”