Carshalton Athletic midfielder Lewis Taylor is putting the past behind him to join Margate, where he will team up with the man who broke his cheek.

Charlie Wassmer was suspended for two games by the Blues following an alleged headbutt on Taylor at the end of the Ryman Premier clash at Colston Avenue in April.

Margate described the incident as “unacceptable” but Taylor now insists it is not an issue.

He said: “The incident has been spoken about and it has all been left in the past.

“My cheek has healed nicely,” he added.

Taylor, who rejoined the Robins last October and made 27 appearances during a season which ended in relegation, also admitted that the lure of joining big-spending Margate was too great to turn down.

The Kent club is investing heavily in both its infrastructure and first team squad – with AFC Wimbledon midfielder Luke Moore and 25-goal Kingstonian striker Ryan Moss already signed on.

Taylor, who has also had spells with AFC Wimbledon and Kingstonian, said: “I have known manager Terry Brown a long time and we had an in-depth chat.

“The club has big ambitions and wants to be challenging for promotion, which I want to do too.

“Every footballer wants that.

“I’m joining a strong group, but I’ll use that as motivation because I feel I can be a part of it.”

The experienced midfielder, who also grabbed four goals for the Robins last season, feels his former club can do well in the Ryman Division One South if some consistency is built.

“I think the high turnaround of players and managers didn’t help our cause,” Taylor said.

“Our performances under Ian Hazel were just starting to turn a corner before he decided to step down in January.

“Stuart Massey didn’t have much time to build his own squad in his own vision.

“But I think Carshalton can mount a positive challenge under Massey and his management team, especially if they keep the core of promising youngsters.

“I wish them all the best and thank all the staff and fans for their support.”

l Robins have announced two further pre-season friendlies – at Homesdale on July 22 and at Crawley Down Gatwick July 29.