FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin admitted being delighted after completing the signing of striker Adam Hampson.

The front man has joined from Halstead Town and put pen to paper after Tuesday's 3-1 pre-season friendly victory against Colne Athletic, at Essex University.

Hampson previously enjoyed great success at Wivenhoe Town - helping them win the Thurlow Nunn League first division title in 2015/16 - and Austin believes his new recruit is capable of plundering more than 20 goals.

“Adam’s a great signing," said the Clacton boss, whose side have another friendly at Tendring neighbours Little Oakley on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

"It was only a couple of years ago he scored 30-plus goals in a season for Wivenhoe.

“He’s a real football person and runs his own soccer school, in addition to playing.

“He’s clever and knows what needs to be done.

“He’s one of the best attacking players I’ve played alongside.

“He was the year below me at the Colne Football Academy and then we were together at Wivenhoe.

“He’s a great striker and certainly not someone I’d want to play against, because he’s got real pace and is such a threat.

“He could score twenty goals for us next season and, given his calibre, I believe that’s an achievable target."

Hampson's other former clubs include Felixstowe and Walton United, Braintree Town Reserves and, more recently, Stanway Rovers.

Meanwhile, Jordan Brazitis, Joe Fowler, Adam Daniels and Harvey Cowler are among the latest current squad members to sign up for next season, joining the likes of skipper Wayne Chapman, Matt Eve, Charlie Thompson, Lee Clowsley and Jake Plane, in addition to new signings Jack Clampin and Kyelan Marvell.

On the flip side, however, Austin has confirmed the exit of Billy Wales.

“Unfortunately Billy has had to leave due to his work commitments, because he now has to work every Saturday until 2pm," said the Clacton boss.

“Obviously that means he won’t be able to make away games and he said himself that that wouldn’t be fair on the team.

“It’s a real shame and I’m gutted to lose him, because he’s such a talented player.

“He’s looked sharp in training and I’m confident he would have had a good season.”

Clacton continued their preparations for the new Thurlow Nunn League season with a 3-1 victory against Colne Athletic on Tuesday.

After falling behind just before the half-hour mark, substitute Karl Andrade restored parity with a cool finish from a one-on-one opportunity.

James Gregory added a second two minutes later and Andrade finished things off with five minutes to go.

Tuesday's match was Clacton's second friendly, having started with a 4-0 defeat at Bostik League side Aveley - managed by former Brightlingsea Regent boss James Webster - on Thursday.

“It was always going to be tough," said Austin.

“Aveley are in the league above us and had enough players to field two completely separate sides.

“The score could have been very different, had we not missed a penalty and also hit the bar and post.

“But the result doesn’t matter too much, to be honest.

“The main thing is that it was a great work-out for the boys and an excellent way to get our pre-season campaign underway.

“It was also a really good experience playing over at Aveley.

“Their facilities are amazing – second to none – and certainly good enough for the Conference."

Former Clacton midfielder Louie Newland has left Brightlingsea Regent and joined Brantham Athletic.