Pouts deal is done after initial scare

It is thought that the Geordie midfielder failed his first medical with the club but has now passed a second medical.

Pouton has now signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Kent club which takes him up until the summer of 2007.

Whilst the motive for Town selling him was to cash in before his contract expired, the £30,000 fee will offer little consolation to the fans.

What will be welcomed is the loss of Pouton's salary from the wagebill. The 26-year-old was one of the highest earners at the club on one of the 'ITV contracts'.