Hythe Town unveil the signing of Phil Stevenson from local rivals Folkestone Invicta

Stevenson, 21, lives in Hythe and only started playing football at Folkestone Invicta when he was 12, before being signed by Millwall when he was 15, going on to be part of the Nike Football Academy and progressing to the Lions’ reserves.

He returned to Folkestone a couple of seasons ago and actually played in a couple of friendlies for Hythe that summer.

Since then Stevenson has played an important part in Neil Cugley’s squad, primarily a right-back or wing-back, he can also cover in the centre of defence and midfield and is well known as an excellent penalty taker.

Hythe Town boss Tim Dixon, who has also signed full-back Jack Sullivan on loan from Maidstone United, is still looking to sign another striker in time for their Ryman League Division One South opener against Burgess Hill Town at Reachfields Stadium on Saturday.

Assistant manager Darren Beale told www.hythetownfc.co.uk: “I actually coached Phil as a 12-year-old and have followed his progress since, with Millwall and Folkestone over the years.

“We are grateful to Neil Cugley and Invicta for allowing us to sign him before the start of the season and allowing Phil to take up a new challenge.

“Tim has been impressed by him over the last couple of seasons and feels that he will only add strength to the squad.”

Visit Hythe Town’s website: www.hythetownfc.co.uk