Ramsgate manager Ady Pennock is delighted to sign former Chelmsford City, Ebbsfleet United and Hornchurch defender Dave Winfield

Ramsgate boss Ady Pennock was delighted to make defender Dave Winfield his first new signing at the club.

The veteran centre-half worked briefly with Pennock when he was on loan at Dartford towards the end of last season.

So it’s no surprise that Pennock made the 38-year-old one of his main targets.

“I’m really chuffed,” said Pennock. “He’s just a born winner and leader.

“I've been after him for a couple of years to sign him permanently, but he’s been playing in the league above.

“When I had him for that month at Dartford, he was head and shoulders above. He won everything in the air, he read the game really well, he was great on the pitch and in the changing room.

“It’s a very good signing for us.”

Winfield was part of the Hornchurch squad that won promotion from National League South this season and his playing career includes spells at Aldershot, Wycombe and Shrewsbury as well as Ebbsfleet, Welling and Chelmsford.

Pennock knows that experience is going to be vital as he looks to get the right blend at Southwood.

“He’s coming off the back of winning the title with Hornchurch,” added Pennock.

“He’s played in the Football League. He's played in the higher tiers of non-league football for a long time as well so that experience is really invaluable.

“I'm still looking for young up-and-coming players as well so it will be nice to have that experience with the youth.

“I’ve got to know Dave off the pitch in the last couple of years and he’s still hungry to do well.

“He’ll be good for the supporters, the fans will love him and he’ll wear his heart on his sleeve.”

Winfield is the first new recruit in the close season for Pennock, who will bide his time in adding to the squad.

“There are signings definitely in the pipeline,”