Whitstable Town boss Justin Luchford has hailed the capture of former Gillingham coach as a 'massive coup' for the club.

The former Gillingham man has played in all of the top four divisions in English football, and signed on non-contract terms this week.

Southall (pictured) has spent the past two seasons on the coaching staff at Gillingham under Andy Hessenthaler. Both were dismissed in May after failing to win promotion.

Luchford said: "I asked what he was up to, he said he was thinking about getting his boots back on and I told him to do that with us.

"It’s a massive coup for the club, a big signing. I’m a little apprehensive because there’s always the worry that Hessenthaler gets another job somewhere and wants to take Southall with him.

"But even if that happens I’m confident we have enough quality to fill the gap he’d leave."

Southall, 40, said: "Because of the coaching over the past two years I never got chance to play any football, and for just one more season I’ve decided to give it a go and to help a friend out.

"I’m joining on the understanding that I will leave if there is a chance of a full-time job in professional football.

"I will be signing as a player and to do a bit of coaching. It keeps my eye in, it helps me and it helps them.

"Justin wants some experience to help a few of the young kids and I am delighted to be joining a local team.

"He sees me as being the holding midfielder and I will sit in there and dictate play with the young ones around. Every four games I may end up getting into the box.

"At that level there are a lot of young kids and with my experience it might help them along."

Southall played Premier League football for Bolton under the management of Sam Allardyce, and clocked up more than 350 appearances for Gillingham.

Before taking over as Gills’ first team coach in 2010, he had captained Dover Athletic to successive promotions.

He said: "I played for Dover and did well for them and there is nothing to be embarrassed about (playing at a lower level)."

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