BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery believes new signing Michael Brothers is a "perfect fit" and will have an impact both on and off the pitch at the Taydal Stadium.

The striker is rejoining after a short spell at Bostik League division north side Maldon and Tiptree and will be hoping to make his second debut for the club in Saturday's home match against Whitehawk.

Regent are pushing for a Bostik League premier division play-off place and Rothery believes Brothers has the "personality and charisma" to tip the scales in their favour during the final third of the season.

“Bruvs is a player I know really well, having worked with him at Brightlingsea and Needham Market," said the R's boss.

"He’s a great lad and, having already played at the club, he understands how we work.

"A lot of the lads already know him, as does (assistant manager) Pip (Boyland).

"It’s a perfect fit as we go into the last third of the season and it’s a really exciting signing for the supporters, too.

"Bruvs has a huge personality and plays with his heart on his sleeve.

"He has real charisma on and off the pitch, which I feel can add something to us in the changing room and on the pitch.

"He can play in a number of positions and, similar to the signing of Aaron Condon, he adds goals to the team and experience, which we still lack sometimes as we're still a reasonably young squad."

Brothers had a short spell at Regent in their first season in what was then the Ryman League (now Bostik League).

Since leaving he has also had a very successful period as joint-manager of Thurlow Nunn League side Brantham Athletic.

Alongside Matt Carmichael, the Imps finished fifth in the premier division and also won the League Cup.

Rothery thanked Maldon for their handling of the transfer and Brothers will now be hoping to get off to a winning start against Whitehawk on Saturday.

The R's are 11th in the table and just four points off the play-off pace, with fifth spot currently occupied by Bognor Regis Town.

They drew 2-2 at Wingate and Finchley on Saturday, despite leading twice thanks to goals from Condon and recent recruit Billy Jones.

However, Wingate salvaged a last-gasp point thanks to a late penalty.