LONG-SERVING Ricky Griggs has once again nailed his colours to the Brightlingsea Regent mast.

The versatile full-back, who has made nearly 300 appearances, has agreed to spend another season at the Taydal Stadium.

Griggs had a frustrating time with injury last season but still managed to feature in 31 Bostik League matches.

“Ricky's a massive player for us and I really believe that when he's fit, he makes us a much better team," said R's boss Tom Rothery.

"He’s an excellent full-back and last season, when he was in the team our results were better than when he wasn’t.

"Unfortunately, he had a frustrating time with injuries and missed more games than we would have liked, which is never nice.

"I have genuine sympathy for him as I know how professional he is on and off the pitch and how committed he is to his football and rehab work when injured.

"Hopefully Ricky will have a little more luck next season.

"It'll be huge for us if we can get him playing more games and it'll have a really positive impact on the team.

"He’s also a local lad who lives a minute from the ground, having played most of his youth and senior football for Brightlingsea.

"Again, he can help settle in the new players and show them what this club is about."

Griggs is the latest in a succession of Regent players to re-sign for another season, following in the footsteps of key men like skipper Matt Cripps, Billy Hunt, Josh Gould, Jake Gould, Jake Turner and goalkeeper James Bradbrook.

Meanwhile, Brightlingsea have issued a statement about their reserve team.

It states that the club have been contacted directly by the FA asking if they would be interested in joining the step six Thurlow Nunn League south division, after a team withdrew. This is the new division that will feature the likes of Harwich and Parkeston, Little Oakley, Holland FC, Coggeshall United, Halstead Town and Braintree Town Reserves.

The club say they will release a further statement when they are in a position to do so.