Midfielder Alberto Pinto has become the first Heybridge Swifts summer signing as manager Cliff Akurang begins his build up to the 2015/16 season.

Pinto has spent the last two seasons with neighbours and Ryman League division one north rivals Maldon & Tiptree.

“I am very happy signing for the club,” Pinto said.

“I’m absolutely chuffed, the gaffer and (assistant manager) Gavin (Dawes) have been a really big influence on me signing for the Swifts.

“I am absolutely buzzing.”

Pinto has previously played in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne until a couple of years ago before joining Maldon & Tiptree for the last two seasons.

He believes Swifts can push for a top-five finish and said: “The club has big plans and has got good players.

“There’s a great team spirit in there and something very good going on at the moment.

“I believe the club will do well this season, there are good players, the manager is great and I believe we can certainly push for it.”

Pinto’s last visit to Scraley Road ended in disappointment when he was on the losing side in the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup final.

He now can look forward to his first home game in pre-season against League One Colchester United.

Pinto said: “It’s a great opportunity for the players to put themselves in the shop window, a lot of people have made it from non-league and it will be very, very enjoyable I’m sure.”

Akurang believes that Pinto can bring a lot to the club and be an inspiration to their younger players.

The Swifts manager said: “Alberto is an all-action player who wears his heart on his sleve.

“He competes for everything and plays with a bit of fire.

“He hunts every ball down and he has quality passing as well.

“It is something that I felt we lacked in some games last season.

“He has experience behind him and can be a big character in the dressing room and a big talker on the field.

“And he can pass that experience on to the younger players at the club.”