Havant & Waterlooville have made an important addition to their squad as they prepare to mount a challenge for an immediate return to the National League with the signing of Sam Magri.
The 25-year-old Portsmouth born defender began his career with his home town club before moving to London with QPR and later Crystal Palace.
In 2015 Magri moved into Non-League with Dover Athletic, where he made over 50 first team appearances, before moving onto the Whites' Kent rivals Ebbsfleet United.
Magri's move to Havant comes after his departure from Fleet was announced a few weeks ago.
The versatile defender will also bring international experience to West Leigh Park, having picked up seven caps for the Malta national side.
Magri, who had previously represented England at youth level, opted to switch his allegiances in 2016 when he made his Malta debut in a European Championship qualifying match against Slovenia.
Speaking to the club's official website, manager Paul Doswell said, “It's a great signing for both parties.
“From our perspective we've signed a 25-year-old Maltese International who I thought was one of the best centre-halves in The National League last year and consistently one of the best over the last few seasons.”
“And when the chance came for the Hawks to get Magri, it was one too good to let go.
“When we knew he hadn't been offered a new contract we moved quickly knowing that Sam was a Portsmouth lad.
“From Sam's perspective he has a new young family and with the project that we've sold to him, the ability to be closer to home to his family it suited both parties.”
