Ian Pulman is back at Whitstable Town for a fourth time and Jim Ward is delighted.

The new Whitstable joint-boss’ search for a striker ended in Pulman’s return from Ramsgate.

The prolific striker, who scored 72 goals in 139 games in his three previous spells at the Belmont, hit 20 in 44 games at Southwood last season but Ward insists there is more to Pulman than just hitting the back of the net.

Ward said: “Forget about his goals, his all-round demeanour in the dressing room and around the place makes him a top-man.

“People are saying he has only come for the money but he hasn’t.

“He is a great signing and I hope to land another centre-forward by the weekend, which will be another exciting major capture.”

Ward has also brought in another of his former charges Simon Pettit, who will be club captain, as he eyes a full recovery from a serious long-term Achilles injury.

Pulman’s fellow-Rams Ollie Gray and Nick Treadwell, who also played under Ward at Sittingbourne, have rejoined him, while midfielder Luke Girt has left The Brickies to link-up again with his old boss.