COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid wants to play his part in an exciting chapter of Heybridge Swifts history.

And the midfielder, who signed for the Ryman League division north club last week, hopes to have a positive impact both on the pitch and off it during his time at Scraley Road.

Swifts avoided relegation on the final day of last season and also reached two cup finals.

Now they want to push on and former Colchester skipper and promotion-winner Duguid hopes to play a pivotal role for Jody Brown’s side.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 38-year-old, who made more than 400 appearances for the U’s and recently parted company with Needham Market.

“I know Jody and know he wants to build something special at Heybridge.

“It’s an up-and-coming club and they ended last season on a really positive note, staying up and reaching two cup finals – winning one of them.

“Now we want to build on that, push on and really promote the club in and around the area.

“Heybridge were one of the first clubs I ever played against, in a pre-season friendly when I was a youngster at Colchester.

“I know the club and know what it’s about.

“These are exciting times for them, with a new ground hopefully on the horizon, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Duguid, who has also all his coaching badges, including the coveted A Licence, retired as a professional in 2014.

He had a short spell with Brown at National League side Welling United and has also played for Stanway Rovers, in the Thurlow Nunn League.

He says he has not lost any of his passion for playing.

“One day I’d like to be a manager but at the moment I still want to play,” he said.

“I love it and want to continue as long as possible, while I’m still fit enough, because I still have that hunger and enthusiasm.

“Hopefully I can have an influence on the pitch and also off it, too.

“If Jody wants my input then he knows I’m there for him.

“And I’ll certainly try to lead by example and have a positive impact, bearing in mind that it’s a very young squad.

“You need characters and leaders in a dressing room and it’s good to have a different voice sometimes.

"Hopefully I can fill that role.”

Meanwhile, Swifts have confirmed that Jack Smith, Jordan Palmer and Liam Thomas have all agreed to stay put and spend another season at Scraley Road.

They join the likes of Lewis Godbold, Gorge Doyle, Danny Sambridge Lewis Dark and Phil Anderson in nailing their colours to the Swifts mast.