Kirk Watts has vowed to make up for lost time after making a shock return to Lewes.

The popular winger is determined to help the Rooks to promotion from Conference south after being unveiled as manager Steven King's first summer signing.

Watts, 28, was a welcome figure as Lewes began pre-season training on Monday.

A fans' favourite, his departure to Bromley last summer after three years with Lewes left a lot of people disappointed, none more so than King.

But the move did not work out and now he is relishing the chance to pick up where he left off at the Dripping Pan.

Watts said: "I didn't want to leave in the first place but because of work and travel I decided to join Bromley and play local for a couple of years.

"That was the plan but I didn't enjoy my football there. They kept playing me in different positions so I spoke to Steven on the phone and I'm delighted to be back.

"I missed Lewes and can't wait to get started again.

"I have always had a good relationship with the fans and everyone at the club. It is a lovely club and now with the stadium coming along nicely it is looking good for the future."

Watts did not finish outside the top four during his three seasons with Lewes, helping them to a double promotion during his first season with the club and then back-to-back play-off finishes. Now he wants more of the same.

He said: "We have some good players here. They had a few injuries last year but hopefully we can get promotion this time.

"We are going to be there or thereabouts. We are definitely looking for a play-off spot but we are not talking about winning the league. If that happened, that would be a bonus."

King has been unusually quiet in the transfer market this summer. He has kept the bulk of last season's squad and will make subtle modifications rather than sweeping changes.

He will sign up to four other players, with two close to completion, while six have moved on including Lee Farrell who has been sold to Horsham.

The return of Watts is a key part of King's plans.

The Lewes boss said: "Kirk was fantastic for me when he was here before. The fans loved him. There were times last year when the fans sung his name and he wasn't even at the club.

"It is great to have Kirk back. He is an infectious character, the funniest footballer I have ever worked with. He is brilliant in the dressing room and he is also a good player.

"We missed him last season. Everyone knew I didn't want to lose him but I was the first person he talked to when he decided to leave Bromley so it shows where he really wanted to be."

King has also unveiled former Fulham, Hibernian and Bristol Rovers midfielder Justin Skinner as his new assistant.

Skinner, 38, was reserve team manager at Queens Park Rangers last season and coached at Chelsea's academy before that.

King said: "Justin has a wealth of experience. He has played for some top clubs, he managed QPR Reserves last year and he has got his coaching badges. He has played non-league as well so he knows both sides of the fence which is very important. I am happy to have him on board."

Bobby Charles is the club's new physio after joing from Woking. He replaces Mark Davis who has stepped down to spend more time on his business.

Captain Paul Kennett is hoping to be fit in time for the league opener against Hayes and Yeading on August 11 after having a groin operation during the summer.