Aaron Barnes on his move from Hythe Town to Ramsgate and his ‘random’ conversation with legendary manager Arsene Wenger while an Arsenal academy player

New signing Aaron Barnes appears to have found the ideal fit in Ramsgate.

Barnes has joined the Rams after an impressive campaign at fellow Isthmian South East club Hythe.

They’ve been long-time admirers of the full-back, who came through the academy at Arsenal and made his professional debut for Charlton in League 1.

Manager Ben Smith followed up on his interest and Barnes, 27, is on board for next season’s title challenge.

“I had a fair bit of interest from a lot of teams in this league and a couple in the league above but I’m happy to have got it sorted nice and early,” said Barnes, who’s also played for Torquay, Colchester, Dulwich and Welling.

“Ramsgate have been interested for quite a while, even through last season, so when that got solidified at the start of the summer, it was one I had my eye on.

“They probably should have gone up last year.

“It was a tough race between them and Cray Valley and the ambition of the club is what attracted me as well.

“They do things properly and even going there on a Tuesday night last season, they had a big crowd in.

“I’m very happy to be there. I’m looking forward to next season already.

“They’re a team that very much impressed me when we played them, both home and away.

“It’s a style of play I very much enjoy, playing out from the back and trying to be expressive.

“There’s a lot of talented players there and big expectations for us to do well.

“But, to be honest, I thrive under expectation and pressure, so hopefully we have a good season.”

Barnes played in multiple roles at Hythe and scored some spectacular goals, too, including a magnificent solo effort against Ashford.

He travelled 60 yards up the left wing, leaving defenders trailing in his wake before cutting inside and