MANAGER James Webster believes Connor Witherspoon can become a key man in his Brightlingsea Regent midfield.

The former Thurrock, Brentwood and AFC Hornchurch man has signed on the dotted line and will be looking to make an impact in next season's Ryman League campaign.

He joins fellow new recruits Aaron Condon, Tom Richardson, from Brentwood, Mekhi McKenzie, from Stanway Rovers, and goalkeeper Ollie Bowles, on a season-long loan from Concord Rangers.

And Webster is expecting big things from the 21-year-old.

"I'm extremely pleased," he said.

"Connor has bags of experience at Ryman League level.

"He's a very talented footballer and a hard-working central midfielder who likes to get on the ball and play.

"He has all the attributes and a fantastic attitude, which should help him become a key player in the Regent midfield.

"As soon as we heard he might be available, we moved very quickly to meet him and thankfully get him signed.

"I'm over the moon he chose to join us and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Webster was also delighted to sign pacey striker Richardson, whose arrival was announced last week, and feels he will add to an already strong Brightlingsea strikeforce.

Richardson, like Witherspoon, played at Brentwood last season were he scored 10 goals.

He previously had spells at Romford and Thurrock.

"Tom's been on the club's radar for the last 18 months," added Webster.

"I'd said I wanted to sign an out and out number nine and he ticks all the boxes.

"He's extremely hard-working, very quick and enjoys the physical challenge of the game.

"He's equally happy playing in a lone striker role or in a two, which is also important to me.

"Both Connor and Tom will add quality to what I believe is an already very strong squad."

While five players have joined Brightlingsea so far this summer, five have left and they are Terry Rymer, Luke Read, Sam Cowler, Lamell Howell and Shamido Pedulu.

Regent, Maldon and Tiptree, Heybridge Swifts and Witham Town will discover their Ryman League fixtures for next season when they are released on July 15.