Former Chelsea defender Steve Watt is the latest player to have joined Maidstone United on a permanant basis from Dover Athletic.

Watt has agreed to sign for the Stones after initially joining the club on loan and becomes the second former Chelsea defender to have moved to the Ryman South slub after Jon Harley joined on non contract terms last week.

Following Watt’s loan spell at the Gallagher Stadium, Dover agreed to transfer the central defender, allowing him to sign on with the Stones on an initial contract until the end of this season.

The Scotsman, who has commented on how much he has enjoyed playing in front of the crowds at the Gallagher Stadium, has made an equally good impression on the Stones support with his commanding defensive performances quickly making him a terrace favourite.

Due to suspension, the ex-Swansea, Ross County and Grimsby Town man will be available to make his debut as a permanent Stones player in the crunch fixture with Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday week.

Harley, who was born and bought up in Kent’s county town, joined the club after a spell as a free agent after being released by Portsmouth in January.

Picture supplied by SM Harris