We are still early in the summer of 2019, but Kent’s clubs are looking to cement deals before their pre season campaigns begin.

Here, we look at a round up of the news and deals from around the county.

In the National League, Dover Athletic have been busy for the second week in a row. On Monday they announced the signing of Paul Rooney.

The Irish defender joins the Crabble side from Colchester United and, despite not making an appearance for the club, make 17 appearances for Billericay Town last season.

The 22 year old also had a stint with Bromley, for whom he made 5 appearances in 2018 on loan from Colchester.

Elsewhere in step one of non league football, Jack Payne has said goodbye to Ebbsfleet United. The playmaker will spend the new season playing at Eastleigh.

Elsewhere in North Kent, Dartford have parted company with Callum Driver. The former West Ham youth prospect was unable to be offered the regular first team football he wanted.

The 26 year old made 15 appearances for the Princes Park side and also spent time on Loan at Leatherhead in the second half of the season.

One of the signings of the week came at the Gallagher Stadium where Maidstone secured the services of Gavin Hoyte.

The right back, who can also play in the middle of the back line, has played regularly since he signed for Dagenham and Redbridge in 2012.

Since then he has spent time at Gillingham, Barnet and Eastleigh before returning to Dagenham for the 2018/19 season.

Also in the National League South, Tonbridge have another two names guaranteed for their first season back in step two.

25 year old winger Joe Taylor signed a deal keeping him at Longmead for the upcoming season early in the week.

Taylor has been at the club since 2017 and he will add to his 105 Angels appearances.

Steve McKimm has also signed winger Khale Da Costa. The pacy wide man spent his youth career at Fulham and Lutin Town and spent last season at St Albans City.

There has also been a player move away from the club. On Tuesday it was announced that former Ebbsfleet United and Dover player Craig Stone has left Tonbridge for a new challenge at Hastings United.

In Thanet, Margate have been bust this week with two new signings to show from their work.

Left back Jay Porter and striker Jack Richards have been announced to be a part of Jay Saunders’ side for 2019/20.

Porter spent last season at Enfield Town and has also spent time at AFC Hornchurch and Thamesmead Town.

20 year old Richards will be a familiar name to those in the Kent non league scene, having spent his entire footballing career at Maidstone with loan spells at Welling United and Faversham Town.

He follows his former boss Saunders to Hartsdown Park.

Staying in Thanet, Ramsgate have signed centre back Liam Friend from Margate.

Another centre back signing in the Bostik South East division comes from Faversham, who have secured the services of Ryan Huckle.

The 19 year old spent last season at the club on loan from Gillingham but was released from the Gills at the end of last season.

One club has also been very busy in the Southern Counties East League premier division. Canterbury City and their manager Clive Cook have announced six new signings this week including former Hythe and Ashford keeper Joe Mant and Liam King from Faversham Town.

Their other signings include Callum Emptage, Jordan Wright, Jack Healey and Clark Woodcock with the club teasing further signings soon.

Welling Town have also announced the signing of Reece Barrett from Erith and Belvadere whilst former Dulwich Hamlet, Carshalton and Thamesmead Town defender Kiki Oshilaja has also signed for the club.