Winger Josh Williams agrees to join National League South Hampton & Richmond Borough - managed by former Gillingham and Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian - after 18-goal Whitstable Town season

Josh Williams has agreed to join a National League South side after a fine season at Whitstable.

Winger Williams links up with Hampton & Richmond Borough this summer following a terrific 2023/24 campaign with the sixth-placed Southern Counties East Premier Division Oystermen, in which he notched up an impressive 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

“I can play left or right and I like to try and get the crowd off their seats,” Williams told the Hampton & Richmond Borough website, as he prepares to make the three-division jump.

“I'm very direct and love taking on my full-back.”

New Whitstable manager Jamie Coyle had spoken of his disappointment at being unable to keep hold of 25-year-old Williams, also formerly of Chatham and Sevenoaks Town, earlier this month.

Coyle admitted: “I was disappointed to lose Josh.

“I’ve got a lot of admiration for him as a player and he’s a really good person, as well, and I was really looking forward to working with him.

“But I totally understand that he had a very good season last year with his goals and his assists, and he’s attracted a lot of attention from clubs higher up.

“The club, as well as myself, don't ever want to stand in the way of someone that has got the potential to play at a higher level.

“Although it would be great for myself and the club for him to stay, especially with younger players that have got the opportunity to progress, you don’t want to stand in their way.

“He has had a lot of offers from higher levels and we have wished him well.

“We have spoken to him and, if it doesn’t work out, hopefully, we will be the first port of call if he decides to come back to this level.”

Hampton & Richmond are now led by former Gillingham and Dartford goalkeeper Alan Julian,