New Faversham Town keeper Tom Hadler targeting Isthmian South East promotion - again - after eventful three-year spell at Ramsgate

Keeper Tom Hadler is setting his sights on promotion as he leaves one Kent club for another.

The one-time Gillingham youngster, who will turn 30 at the end of July, has become manager Steve Watt’s first summer signing at Isthmian South East side Faversham Town.

Hadler leaves Isthmian Premier Ramsgate after a three-year stint, having been out with an ACL injury since the day the Rams clinched the Isthmian South East title under boss Ben Smith in April 2025.

He will now hope to make an immediate impact at his new club, with the Lilywhites aiming to improve on a seventh-placed finish last time out under Scotsman Watt and No.2 Frannie Collin.

Hadler told the club’s media team: “Every good team is successful because of how well the group gets on and how they work together as a unit.

“From what I can see, we’re going to have that so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I had a really good chat with Gary (Smart, chairman) after an initial conversation with Steve.

“I’ve known Steve for years and always thought about the potential for us to work together. That was confirmed when I spoke to Gary and he outlined the vision for the club.

“The ambition here is clear: We want to achieve promotion this season.

“I’m excited to join a group that’s capable of achieving big things together.”

As well as helping Ramsgate enjoy league success, Hadler, also formerly of Maidstone, Ebbsfleet and Eastbourne Borough, helped the Southwood side make the FA Cup second-round proper in the 2023/24 season.

Ramsgate chairman James Lawson said: “Hads was one of the first players from the higher leagues to take a chance on a newly-ambitious Ramsgate three years ago.

“After our play-off defeat against Hythe, Ben and I sat down with him and spoke about a dream