NEW head coach Ryan Salter believes he can help create "something special" at FC Clacton.

The former Brightlingsea Regent man recently joined the Seasiders and will work alongside first-team boss Tom Austin.

The 28-year-old had been looking to get back into football after work and family commitments led to him quitting Bostik League side Aveley last July.

With a new baby on the way, he did not feel he could commit to the Millers, where he worked with former Regent manager James Webster.

However, now he is ready to get back in and jumped at the chance to join Clacton.

"I was getting itchy feet and looking for a route back in," he told the Gazette.

"This is a move that suits me down to the ground.

"For one thing it's more local, compared to my previous role at Aveley.

"That was a huge commitment and I spent too many hours out of the house, especially with a new baby on the way.

"Clacton, in contrast, is down the road but it's not just about convenience.

"I really believe this is the right move for me and can't wait to get started.

"I'd arranged to meet a few other clubs but didn't feel I needed to speak to anyone else after chatting with Tom.

"We know each other anyway - he was the year above me at the Colne Football College and many years ago we were team-mates at Halstead Town.

"But when we met up the other day I was very impressed.

"He was so keen, passionate, open and honest.

"I could tell he really wanted me on board and liked everything he said.

"Together I believe we can achieve something special."

Clacton enjoyed a record-breaking season last term, finishing with a best-ever sixth-place finish in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Now Salter wants to play his part in helping them push on and eclipse their 2018/19 achievements.

"I wouldn't have gone to a club that I thought was going to stand still or struggle," he said.

"I'm ambitious and that's why this move is perfect for me.

"I want to help the club build on their success and, ideally, I'd like to replicate what we achieved at Brightlingsea.

"There's a very good squad here and if we add one or two, who knows?

"Anyone who's ever played for me will know I'm all about hard work - on the ball and off it.

"I also want the team to be adaptable, just as we were at Brightlingsea.

"So if plan A isn't working, we can revert to plan B.

"It's so important to be able to play different ways and adapt to situations, in terms of things like formation.

"I have high standards, having worked at a higher level, and hope to embed them at Clacton."

Although they have different titles, Brightlingsea-based Salter has effectively replaced former Clacton assistant manager Adrian Webster.

The ex-Colchester United player and coach recently stepped down for health reasons.

"Ade is going to be a tough act to follow and it's a shame we didn't get the chance to work together," said Salter.

"Everyone loves him and he's very knowledgeable - someone you can learn so much from.

"He's a close friend and he's been a mentor to me since I was 16.

"They're big boots to fill."

Clacton's players return for pre-season training on June 15.