Sittingbourne have signed a French midfielder who came through the youth ranks at Paris St Germain.

Jean-Baptiste Fischer, 25, spent 12 years with PSG before moving to America to study for an international business degree.

After four years in the States, he moved to England, signing for Wycombe Wanderers after a trial.

While with the Chairboys, he went on loan to Braintree, then managed by current Brickies boss Ryan Maxwell.

Maxwell would help the Frenchman secure a move to Oxford City after leaving Wycombe and the pair have stayed in touch.

The player considered returning to France after finishing last season at Hayes & Yeading but Maxwell convinced him to stay and join the Brickies.

“Jean-Baptiste is a massive signing for us,” said Maxwell.

“I had him at Braintree and it was me who put him to Oxford City.

“We’ve always stayed in contact. This summer we had a chat and he thought about what he wanted to do, move back to France maybe, but I said stay here.

“His quality will shine through. Although he was offered a deal at Billericay, I’m delighted to say he chose to sign for us and I’m really excited and delighted to have him.

“I’m a big believer in his ability. He played a few games for me at Braintree and made a big impact.

“He’s got a lot of quality, he’s an educated footballer, he’s a great lad as well, very low-maintenance, a great professional and he’ll be a brilliant signing for us.

“I’m really looking forward to getting the best out of him and I’m sure one day, when the time comes, I’ll shake his hand and wish him all the best.

“Once he gets a little bit of non-league nous, I’m sure clubs will be in for him.

“He’s got real technical ability and can play in a number of positions because of it - right-back wing-back, No.10, out wide, off the frontman, No.8, No.4, he can do them all.

“It’s about hanging his hat on one position and being excellent and I’ve no doubt he can do it.

“I see him as a dictator in the the deeper role in midfield, because he’s so comfortable on the ball, or the higher position in a No.10.

“We’ll have a look in pre-season and make a decision.”

Sittingbourne have also signed young striker Alfie Bloomfield following a trial.

He scored in a 2-2 friendly draw at Chatham on Tuesday last week.

Maxwell said: “He came in as a recommended trialist, not a blind one, and he’s done exceptionally well in training.

“He’s 6ft6in, left-footed, and he can do a bit of everything.

“He’s got a bit of filling out to do but there’s a player in there, it’s just about getting it out of him.

“His attitude’s been brilliant and he scored in his first game but also played pretty well.

“He wants to improve and he’s the kind of DNA we want at the club.

“He’s hungry, full of desire and we’re all excited to work with him because he’s so keen to improve and impress.”

Sittingbourne, who lost 3-1 at home to National League new boys Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night, have said goodbye to ex-captain Matty Warren.

The midfielder, named manager’s player-of-the-year last season, has joined Isthmian South East rivals Sevenoaks.

“That’s been on the cards for a long time,” said Maxwell.

“He’s on considerably more money than we offered him, which is absolutely fine.

“He did struggle with the decision but I total understood it.

“It’s more money from football and I believe he’s going to do a bit of work with the manager’s coaching company.

“He got nothing but a well done from us and we wish him all the best.

“He’s a good lad but we have a structure here and we wouldn’t break it, so we wished him all the best.”

Sittingbourne visit Erith Town on Saturday (1pm) and host Faversham on Tuesday (7.45pm).