The 31-year-old has most recently been with the Wasps league rivals Hythe Town.

He started his career with Queens Park Rangers and, following a loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge, signed for Maidenhead United after being released from Loftus Road.

He spent three seasons with the Magpies and then had spells with Welling United, Dartford and Margate before signing for the Cannons in 2016.

East Grinstead boss Matt Longhurst told his club`s website: "This is a major signing and further proof of what we`re trying to do here at East Court next season.

"I’ve known RJ for years and worked with him at previous clubs and I know exactly what I’m getting on and off the pitch. We have beaten clubs at higher levels to get his signature and I can’t wait to get back on the training ground with him and have him in my dressing room.

"He'll add to the senior group and help the youngsters perfectly and he will work closely with myself and Jay too.

"From a playing perspective, I believe he’s the best centre-back in the league and think it’s a major plus for us.

"We're talking to a centre-forward and central midfielder this week and I hope to have more news on that later in the week to complement the signing of Ryan."

Longhurst has also signed striker Marley Hamilton.

Hamilton moves to the area from Nottinghamshire where he played for Blidworth Welfare last season in the Central Midlands League.

After starting out on the books at Liverpool and then Chesterfield, Hamilton went on to play for the likes of Hucknall Town, Gresley FC, Nuneaton Town and Belper Town.

Longhurst said: “Marley is someone I’ve been speaking with for a few weeks as he was looking at re-locating to closer to the area and I was made aware of his availability and it’s moved to the final stage today of being able to bring him to the club.

“Marley is a player we expect to replace Marcus Elliott, who we lost last season. He’s quick and clever and he was at Liverpool for three years from the age of 16 years old as well as non-League clubs in the Nottingham area.

“His attitude towards coming to join us and helping us achieve our target this year was a big plus as well as his obvious talent. We are expecting big things from Marley and is happy with the expectation on his shoulders.

“It will take time to adjust to the level and to know the players but he’s an intelligent footballer and I can’t wait to get to work with him".