GRAVESEND & Northfleet have turned to former Welling and Aldershot striker Gary Abbott in a bid to sharpen their attack.

The 36-year-old, well-known for his goalscoring pedigree in semi-professional football, has signed on a non-contract basis.

He is expected to make his Nationwide Conference debut at Scarborough on Saturday, November 23, as replacement for the suspended Che Stadhart.

Assistant manager Phil Handford said: "Gary's goalscoring record speaks for itself. We know what we're getting because we know his strengths and his weaknesses.

To create room for manoeuvre on his budget to accommodate Abbott, manager Andy Ford looks set to part company with striker Paul Booth.

Booth's 86th minute appearance as a substitute in Saturday's goalless draw with Farnborough may well have been his last for the Fleet.

Dr Martens League, Premier Division club Dover have put in seven days' notice of approach while neighbours Welling and Ryman League, Premier Division club Purfleet are also interested.

Meanwhile, Andy Ford is still waiting to learn his fate from the Football Association following his dismissal from the dug-out during the FA Cup, fourth qualifying round home tie against Margate.

The Fleet's early elimination from the FA Cup has given the club a two-week break.