Margate Football Club have signed Richard Avery and Tommy Murphy on new deals for the 2012/13 season.

Avery – originally a defender – found his niche as Margate’s primary holding midfield player last season after signing from Faversham Town.

With a string of impressive performances behind him, he was virtually ever-present in Chris Kinnear’s side last season. He went on to make 52 appearances plus one from the bench for the Blues, scoring six goals including one against Charlton Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup.

He has also played for Dartford, Chatham Town and Thamesmead Town.

Tommy Murphy first arrived at Margate in February, 2012 after a very brief spell with Horsham.

Murphy had previously been at Farnborough in the Blue Square Bet South last season, and he went on to make 12 starts and four substitute appearances for the Blues, scoring five goals, including a brace in the 3-0 win at Hendon in April. His performances for Gate have been characterised by lots of pace and good skill on the ball.