Sittingbourne sign winger Troy Howard as manager Ryan Maxwell prepares to find out who is the quickest player in his squad

Manager Ryan Maxwell has added more pace to an already-rapid Sittingbourne squad.

Maxwell has confirmed the signing of winger Troy Howard, who ended last season at Lydd Town.

The former Margate and Deal player is blisteringly quick and has caught the eye at pre-season training.

He was invited along after impressing Maxwell during talks and hasn’t disappointed in the opening sessions.

Howard, who played on dual-registration for Hythe in Isthmian South East last season, is keen to kick on and sees a chance to challenge for honours at Bourne.

“He’s very ambitious and wants to achieve something, which is the main reason he’s signed and the reason I’ve wanted to sign him,” said Maxwell.

“We had a 45-minute conversation where he talked about being up there and challenging for a winners’ medal. That’s what he wants to do and promotion is the No.1 goal for him this year.

“He’d heard good things about us, he respected our team from last year and he knew we were in a good place with our recruitment already.

“I said let’s get you down and he came in and trained exceptionally well. Right away, you could see his athleticism and his attitude was excellent.

“He knows the level, he’s quick, direct, can play in a couple of different positions and he fits the bill for what I’m looking for in those areas.

“I want him to be really direct and use what he’s got and I’m going to work with him on the things that need work.

“He’s not the complete player and he knows that.

“He needs to get better out of possession and there’s a couple of tweaks here and there but I think we’ve got a really good player on our hands.”

The Sittingbourne squad is overflowing with pace and Maxwell is keen to discover who’s the quickest.

He added: “The sprint race in