Ex-Hastings duo sign for Rye

Yates, who left the Pilot Field to join then Dr Martens Premier League outfit Eastbourne Borough last summer, signed after the 4-2 friendly defeat of Kent Leaguers Lydd Town on Wednesday night.

Ruddy, who played for the now defunct St Leonards and East Sussex League champions Hollington United last term, scored in Wednesday's game and is viewed as a potential central-midfield partner for Duncan McArthur, another Hastings man on target at Lydd.

Interestingly, Rye & Iden boss Ryan Light claims that Paul Tuppenney, who played at the Salts last season "will sign on Saturday". According to the Hastings United website, Tuppenney has already signed for Hastings United but is entitled to do so because the clubs are in different leagues.