Experienced defender Gavin Hoyte has made his ambitions clear after joining Sittingbourne.
Hoyte played 42 games last season for Folkestone Invicta and stayed injury-free. The former Arsenal player, now 34, hopes his latest move gives him an opportunity for some more silverware late in his career.
Following his move to the Brickies, the former Maidstone United title-winning captain said: “I don’t know how many years I have left playing, I want to be successful and achieve things in my later stages.
“I feel the gaffer has the mindset and the hard work to help me achieve something special.
“I am feeling very fit after not missing a game last season and ready for the challenge ahead."
Sittingbourne missed out on promotion from Isthmian South East this season after losing to Burgess Hill Town in the play-off final.
Newcomer Hoyte played four games for Arsenal back in 2008, including his one and only Premier League appearance against Manchester City.
Clubs since then included Gillingham - where he made 30 appearances during 2014/15 - Barnet and Dagenham but it was at Maidstone United where he thrived, becoming club captain before leaving at the end of the 2023/24 season for Folkestone.
Hoyte took the armband during Maidstone’s National South title season after George Elokobi, then still a player, was sidelined for months by a groin injury.
He was made permanent captain following Elokobi’s retirement and left the Gallagher after a memorable FA Cup run, including a 2-1 fourth-round win at Premier League Ipswich.
It’s another new challenge for Hoyte, who said: “I saw how well the club did, firstly in the league and then secondly how they did in the FA Trophy.
“Whilst I was at Folkestone in pre-season I remember we played against
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