Canvey Island will be entering the Ryman League's Premier Division next season boosted by the signing of a player who was making regular Nationwide Conference soccer appearances at the end of the current campaign.

Midfielder Chris Duffy has agreed to join Gulls for a nominal fee from Northwich Victoria, where he was a regular in the latter stages of last season as the Cheshire side achieved a top eight place.

Formerly with Crewe Alexandra and Wigan Athletic, Manchester-born Duffy is only 25 years old and should prove an outstanding capture for the Islanders.

He is a utility player who can fill either full-back position or wide midfield berths on the left and right.

It's on the left that he has made most of his Northwich appearances during his two-and-a-half years at the club and his turn of speed has caused problems for numerous opposition defences.

Duffy is moving south due to his wife's job and has turned down advances from a couple of southern Conference outfits, Welling and Dover, plus well-established Ryman Premier teams Aldershot and Boreham Wood, to join Jeff King's men.

The Gulls boss said: "I'm delighted that Chris has agreed to join us.

"I think this is an early indication for our fans on just how serious we are taking our challenge to make a quick impression at Ryman Premier level.

"I'm sure that he will be a very strong addition to our squad and you can take it from me that we will be making a number of other significant moves during the summer months."

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