Chelmsford City have signed former stadium favourite Mark Kane to bring experience into midfield.

And promising Tottenham Hotspur reserve goalkeeper Gavin Kelly has joined on a month's loan as cover for regular custodian Paul Catley, now out for a month with a hamstring injury.

The re-signing of Kane, now 38, will perhaps raise a few eyebrows among City supporters but it could turn out to be the club's best signing of the season.

City manager Gary Bellamy knows his young charges need a calming, experienced playmaker in midfield, and somebody who can hold the ball and dictate play.

Kane, who had followed his former Heybridge Swifts and St Albans boss Gary Hill to Dagenham & Redbridge, has not played recently but keeps himself fit and now joins City for the third time.

"I think Mark can do a vital job for us in midfield which has been a worrying position all season," said Bellamy. "We need someone to control that department and who can pass the ball as he will have others around him to do all the chasing and running necessary."

The ever enthusiastic Kane, who signed on Wednesday night after Bellamy had watched Dagenham & Redbridge beat Aldershot 3-1, will be in the starting line-up for tomorrow's Dr Martens League Eastern Division home match at New Lodge against Sittingbourne (kick off 3pm).

Also in the side will be Spurs youngster Gavin Kelly, 18, who will take over from Catley in goal for the next month.

With three senior professional goalkeeper at White Hart Lane, Kelly needs to gain match practice and experience at a senior non-league club.

The City boss added: "I had spoken to Chris Hughton, coach at Spurs, and the loan will be mutually beneficial, helping us out and giving him games. The boy is a good stopper and I am confident he will be able to do the job."

The loss though of Catley is a big blow to City and comes after a gamble to play him in last Saturday's FA Trophy defeat failed.

"He had the hamstring injury before the game but as we had no alternative goalkeeper, Paul was forced to play - now we have lost him for a month," added the manager.

City will also be without the injured John Girling for tomorrow's match.

"I'm not too worried about the Trophy, county cup and league cup defeats because after our FA Cup run, it is the league that matters," Bellamy explained.

"I want the eleven that go out there to do what they have been told, show the commitment needed and work to get the result that we need."

Other dressing room news is that promising youngster Kevin Dobin-son has been placed on the transfer list and follows a run of disappointing performances, plus a disciplinary offence.

The club will be looking for a nominal fee from his transfer.

Two recent City players have made debuts for their new clubs - Mark Greatorex is at Margate and Barry Lakin has made an appearance at Ryman League Premier Division side Boreham Wood.

Mark Kane - back in City's colours.

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