HAVANT & Waterlooville have solved their goalkeeping dilemma by signing Gareth Howells from Aldershot Town.

The 32-year-old brother of ex-Saints midfielder David has put pen to paper on a three-year contract for the Dr Martens Premier Division club, who are looking to follow the newly-promoted Shots into the Conference.

Howells made 66 appearances in two years with the Shots but he lost his place to Nikki Bull. Having reached the end of his contact, the former Spurs, Torquay, Sutton and St Albans City keeper decided to move on to get regular first-team football.

H&W co-manager Mick Jenkins said: "Aldershot didn't really want to lose him and he's come to us with great references from their manager Terry Brown.

"We've got a youngish back four and Gareth's wealth of experience will be extremely valuable playing behind them.

"He's just over six foot tall, very fit and athletic and has won the Ryman League twice."

Unlike his Midlands-based predecessor Arron Kerr, Howells will have no problems travel-wise. Jenkins said: "He lives in Guildford so he's only about 35 minutes away."

Hawks are closing in on the signing of French striker Norman Sylla from Banbury United and have also had former Saints Academy and Fleet Town frontman Shea Saunders training with them this week.

Full-back Chris Ferrett looks like re-signing for the Westleigh Park club and they are confident of getting skipper Gareth Hall to agree a new deal, even though he has been training with Chippenham Town.