Faversham Town assistant manager Darren Beale on the summer signing of ex-Dartford defender Connor Essam and competition for places

Connections proved key as Faversham signed ex-Dartford defender Connor Essam.

The Lilywhites fended off plenty of competition to recruit Essam, 30, who is dropping down three divisions, a month after his departure from Princes Park was announced.

Having started his career at Gillingham, where he worked with Town coach Darren Hare, Faversham boss Moore and Essam played together before Moore and Lilywhites No.2 Darren Beale were in charge of Essam at Hemel Hempstead.

“It’s good to get Connor over the line,” said Beale. “He’s someone myself and Sammy know.

“Sammy played with him and I was with him at Hemel. He’s definitely a leader.

“For him, it’s the right time to move, with his new family starting up.

“Sammy still saw a lot of him when he was at Dartford. I have worked with him before and Darren Hare knows him from Gillingham.

“It was probably a no-brainer for him. I know he had a lot of offers.

“But Connor knows what he’s going to get from us and he can enjoy it.

“[I’m] not saying that wasn’t happening at Dartford, but there’s lots of commitment and travelling involved.”

Faversham’s pre-season schedule began on Saturday with a night out camping.

Beale said: “We split them into two teams. We were probably six first-team players short, who were away, but the rest were there. It was hard work.

“We just looked at the psychological side of it, with who the leaders are and who might need help, and how we can help them. They enjoyed it afterwards - but I’m not sure they enjoyed it during it!

“Then there was a barbecue and a bit of music.”

Moore has had a busy summer as the Lilywhites target the Southern Counties East Premier Division title and cup success.

There will be plenty to play for in their warm-up games, starting at