The supporters funded 12th man who last season funded George Keys have this season enabled Regent Manager Tom Rothery to sign striker Mills who joins after leaving former Bostik Premier side Leiston.

“Darren is an excellent signing for us; I feel he brings something completely different to the side” said Regent Boss Tom Rothery. “As I’ve said before last season we didn’t really have enough competition and options at times and the squad we are assembling now certainly has that and a better balance also.

Adding the experience and mentality of somebody like Darren is also huge I feel with a reasonably young squad, he’s come from Leiston last season where they were pushing for the play offs and eventually got that spot so he knows what it takes to challenge at the top of this division and has that positivity and winning mentality that you need to do that.

He will also be a big character in that changing room and similar to the time we signed Michael Brothers when we first joined the Isthmian League I think, he will act as a focal figure for some of the younger lads.

Most importantly on the pitch his style of play will really add something to us. He’s aggressive and direct and can play on his own up top or with a partner and also on the wing so gives us good options and will be another player who can add goals and back up what Billy Hunt will give us alongside the other signings that we’ve made in attacking areas.

I’d like to thank Tom Doherty the Chairman of the 12th Man Fund and all the supporters who currently pay into the fund, it’s a massive help to the squad that I’ve been able to make this signing and in Darren I feel they’ll certainly get their money’s worth.

I think he will be a huge favourite with the supporters and I certainly feel it’s a great coup for the club that we’ve been able to sign a striker with the credentials of Darren.”

The squad is now almost done and it’s been a hectic six weeks since the season finished but there’s a further announcement Monday with another player staying and another new signing plus an Academy prospect to come after Monday once we get international clearance and then we can concentrate on pre-season and trying to gel the new side together.