Common sign goalkeeper Saunders

The likeable goalkeeper will go straight into the side for the trip to Littlehampton Town in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League on Saturday.

Common manager Mark Linch said: “It’s great news, we’re made up really. I think he deserves the opportunity to prove he’s a quality ‘keeper and can play first team senior football. He will give that stability to us and seeing him behind you is going to be a big confidence boost for the defence.”

Saunders, or Studsy as he is often called, played for both the first and reserve teams at Sidley United before moving to Rye United where he has almost exclusively been in the reserves, lately behind former Brighton & Hove Albion youth product Josh Pelling.

A statement on Rye’s website said: “Saunders was a great asset to the club and we all wish him the very best for the future. We know he will be looked after at Common.”

Rye named Saunders as their man of the match in their reserve team’s 3-1 victory away to Common’s second string on Saturday.

Common were 4-3 winners in a Division Two Challenge Cup second round tie at Littlehampton on November 13, but that was their only victory in their last 10 matches in all competitions.