FORMER Premier League hotshot Kevin Lisbie is on the cusp of joining old team-mate Jamie Stuart in the Isthmian North.

Lisbie, 38, played with Grays manager Stuart as a trainee at the Addicks.

The two have stayed in touch throughout their professional careers. And, following a chat with Stuart, Lisbie could now begin the year playing at Parkside.

The veteran striker scored in Grays’ 1-1 draw with Southend Manor in pre-season on Saturday, and Stuart is confident of landing the marksmen.

“I grew up with Kevin at Charlton for seven years,” said Stuart.

“We are good friends and have always stayed in contact.

“Kevin is a coach at Leyton Orient and is highly regarded there.

“He was at Whitehawk (in the National League South) last season and I said, as you live in Essex, 'why not come here and give it a go?'

“We spoke recently and he said could he train and he knows where we are financially.

“He is doing me a favour. If I think he is fit enough, then there is a chance it can happen.”

Lisbie has made more than 430 professional appearances, scoring 108 goals in a career that has spanned more than two decades.

And Stuart believes the arrival of such experience would only benefit his squad.

“Kev played his first game and did well,” he said.

“He is great for the likes of Kieran Bishop and if we have someone who has been there and done it that can only help.

“We have built a good squad and I am pleased with the progress.”

Stuart confirmed Tambeson Eyong had been released for personal reasons, adding defender Jack Fowler and goalkeeper Charley Aldis to the squad.

“I have played with Tam before and it made sense,” he said.

“He agreed to sign and then a few personal things happened and we have released him for now.

“I am just about there with the squad, we may lose one player but we have enough and I am still looking to strengthen.”