Johnson In - Two Out at Margate

Johnson, who joined the Blues on a month`s loan deal at the beginning of December, has now signed permanently at Hartsdown Park.

The 25-year-old made his debut in the club`s 3-0 defeat at St Albans City in December but also featured in the Boxing Day win over Maidstone United and scored his first goal for the club in last week’s 3-2 victory over Maidenhead United.

Before joining Ebbsfleet, Johnson enjoyed spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Dover Athletic, Bishop`s Stortford and Braintree Town.

Margate boss Nikki Bull was delighted to add Johnson to his squad on a permanent deal.

“It is a very important signing for us, he is a big presence for us in midfield. A lot of his work goes somewhat unnoticed but he gets around the pitch and also scores goals like we saw last week”.

The club have also confirmed that midfielder Solomon Taiwo has been released from his contract.

The former Cardiff City and Dover player made twenty-three appearances for the Blues, but now leaves the club with game time limited having returned from injury.

Bull insists it was a case of a good player just the wrong time: “Solomon has recently returned from injury and is fully fit but he has found game time hard to come by but his attitude has been first class. Sometimes you join a club and it just doesn’t work out – it`s happened to me during my career.

“Sol has a great attitude and I am sure he will move on from here and go on and have a good season but it just didn’t work out for him here.”

The club can also now confirm that Alex Gaggin has also been released.

The youngster was dual registered with Southern Counties East League side Erith Town. However, with game time at Margate limited, the club has now terminated his registration with the Blues.

Ryan Day