BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent hero Phil Kelly is moving on to pastures new.

The wide man, the scorer of so many spectacular goals down the years, has agreed to join Bostik League division north side AFC Sudbury.

Kelly has been at Regent for eight seasons, apart from a short spell at Hadleigh United, and been an integral part of the club’s rapid move up the non-league pyramid, from their days in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

He helped them into the Thurlow Nunn League and now into the Bostik League, making 271 appearances and scoring 103 goals.

“It’s disappointing to see Phil leave,” said Regent boss Tom Rothery.

“However, after we received seven-day approaches, we allowed him to speak with the clubs and it’s probably a natural and good time for him to seek a new challenge.

“Phil has been a great servant to the club and achieved amazing success.

“He’s somebody I’ve got on with really well, so while disappointed I’m also hoping this proves a good move for him personally and one that revives his love for the game.

“I’m sure he’ll be asset to his next club.”

Kelly, 29, joined Regent in the autumn of 2009, having previously played for Stanway Rovers and Cornard United.

Fittingly, he helped them secure their first-ever victory at step three level, the Bostik League premier division, after scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory against Hendon on August 26.

He netted with a sublime volley right at the death to spark scenes of wild celebration at the Taydal Stadium.

Horkesley-based Kelly has signed a two-year contract with Sudbury, who are managed by former Harwich and Parkeston boss Mark Morsley.

He leaves with Brightlingsea sitting 14th in the table, having picked up four points from their last two matches.

They welcome Worthing to the Taydal Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Rothery recently bolstered his injury-hit squad with two new signings.

He brought in young Colchester United defender George Keys and former Ipswich Town striker Billy Clark.

Keys, who can play anywhere across the back line, is joining on work experience, initially for a month, and arrives at the R’s following a spell with Bostik League division north side Maldon and Tiptree.

Clark, meanwhile, made his debut for Ipswich as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Doncaster Rovers in April 2010.

He made two further appearances from the bench in the 2009/10 season, against Newcastle United and Sheffield United.

He left Portman Road at the age of 20, in 2011, before joining Bury Town, where he had a successful spell under then manager Richard Wilkins.

He linked up with Wilkins again at Leiston and Needham Market, where he also worked alongside Regent manager Rothery.