Starkey (pictured) was on Arsenal’s books as a youth and in the summer of 2004 joined Crystal Palace, playing for their under-18s and reserve sides, and was given a professional contract in the summer of 2006.

In April he had a trial with Shrewsbury Town, before returning to Selhurst Park but was released by the Eagles in August 2007 and signed for Vanarama National League side Ebbsfleet United.

After two appearances he fell out of favour and went on loan to then-Isthmian Premier outfit Tonbridge Angels where the deal was made permanent in February 2008.

In the summer of 2009, he signed for National League South side Braintree Town before leaving in January 2010 to re-join Tonbridge.

He was back at Braintree in June 2010 where he was virtually ever-present as they won the National League South title.

He moved to Dover Athletic in June 2011 and then Isthmian Premier outfit Margate in June 2012 and was off to Gate`s league rivals AFC Hornchurch in July 2013.

He signed for Maidstone United from AFC Hornchurch in September 2014 before switching to then-Isthmian South side Folkestone Invicta in June 2015 where he helped Neil Cugley`s side to win the league and gain promotion to the Isthmian Premier.

He was released by Folkestone Invicta in February 2019 and joined Southern Counties East League side Canterbury City.

The 32-year-old teacher signed for Ramsgate`s league rivals Herne Bay towards the early part of this season.

Thomas joins the Rams from Canterbury.

The centre-half was formerly with Sheppey United, Hythe Town and East Grinstead Town, where he had two spells.

He started out in the academy at National League South side Maidstone United and made a handful of first team appearances in cup games.

Longhurst has also signed Charlie Meade.

The versatile forward had originally come through Ramsgate’s youth system at a young age but moved to Maidstone’s academy before switching to National League outfit Dover Athletic`s equivalent.