"I've been after Jay for a while now," revealed Maggs, who is licking his lips at the prospect of reigniting the ex-Lewes partnership of Lovett and fellow Horsham newcomer Paul Kennett next season. "We had to fight off competition from a number of clubs to get him but I'm absolutely thrilled that he has agreed to join us," Maggs continued. "I've known Jay since he played for me at Crawley and he is very adaptable, can play in midfield or defence and I think he's even had a stint up front on occasion, so that will really suit us. He was offered an attractive deal to join a Conference South side but it helps that he knows me and players like (former Eastbourne Borough team-mate) Pat Harding and Ian Payne (Crawley) which should make it very easy for him to settle in."

Maggs revealed that the calibre of players interested in joining the Hornets this summer is almost unprecedented in his 11 years at the helm. "As well as Jay and Kenno we should have around 10-12 trialists when training starts next Tuesday. There will be a couple of familiar faces, like John Westcott and Tom Graves, but everyone is an experienced player. We'll also be looking at a young goalkeeper from West Ham, Jack Parr, as well as a couple of centre-backs, a midfielder and a pair of centre-forwards so it could be an exciting time for us."

Maggs is convinced that his summer signings are far from over and has highlighted another player with Conference football experience who, should he sign, "would make it a fantastic hat-trick for us and will really excite the fans". Meanwhile, the future of cub captain Sam Page remains uncertain as discussions continue with Sutton United over a proposed deal to take the former MK Dons youngster to Gander Green Lane.