BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have completed their first transfer business of the summer by signing midfielder Harvey Hodd.

The wide man or central midfielder has agreed a one-year contract after joining from fellow Bostik League side Lowestoft Town.

Hodd, 22, progressed through Norwich City's Academy as a scholar was also a professional at Fleetwood Town.

He spent two years at the Highbury Stadium before signing for Lowestoft, where he had previously been loaned to from Fleetwood.

R's manager Tom Rothery believes his new recruit has "massive potential" and is an addition that should excite Regent supporters.

“Harvey clearly has a good pedigree, having been at Norwich's Academy and then becoming a professional at Fleetwood," he said.

"He'll bring experience to the team and the fact he's played at this level for the past two seasons is another plus for me.

"Hopefully Harvey is somebody we can develop and he’s still ambitious and hungry to progress with his football.

"His technical ability can add something to the team and it means we've got a player with massive potential to grow.

"Hopefully he'll produce his best football for Brightlingsea Regent."

Hodd scored seven goals in the premier division last season, including one in the New Year’s Day clash with Regent at Crown Meadow.

Aside from his qualities on the pitch, Rothery says he has been impressed by Hodd's ambition and professionalism and they were key factors in bringing him to the Taydal Stadium.

"It's been clear to me in the conversations I’ve had with Harvey that he's a sound young man and professional and ambitious," added Rothery.

"Harvey's a signing that supporters can be excited about.

"We're bringing more goals into the team, which is important, and I feel he'll bring more creativity into the squad.

"He'll strengthen the squad which, for me, is essential as we move into our second season at step three."

Rothery expects to be in a position to confirm more transfer news in the next few days, with both signings and departures expected.