BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery believes new signing Adam Hampson will bring "intensity, pace, quality and energy" to his strikeforce.

The former Stanway Rovers and Wivenhoe Town frontman has joined from neighbours FC Clacton.

He will be keen to build on last season's success, when his 22 goals helped the Seasiders enjoy a record-breaking Thurlow Nunn League campaign.

Clacton finished sixth, the highest position in their history, and now Hampson has been given an opportunity to move up two levels of the non-league pyramid and join Isthmian League premier division Regent.

“Hampy's an excellent player and technically really sound," said a delighted Rothery.

"His intensity, pace, quality and general energy will be a great addition in the final third for us.

"He’s a goalscorer and somebody I think will be superb for us, linking up well with players like Billy Hunt.

"(Assistant manager) Pip (Boyland) and I spoke about it and both felt he was somebody that could make the step up.

"We both wondered why he hadn’t before, if I'm honest.

"We’ve both either played against him or lined up teams against him and he’s always a handful, with his movement and general play.

"Even back in the day, when we first came into the Thurlow Nunn League, he was a real standout player and somebody you would always highlight as a threat for the opposition."

Rothery, who admitted trying to sign Hampson once before, thanked Clacton and counterpart manager Tom Austin.

"It wasn’t a conversation I was looking forward to, speaking to Tom to make him aware I wanted to approach Hampy," said the Regent boss.

"But he's been excellent about it and I really appreciate that and thank Tom and Clacton.

"We’ve signed an exciting player who will certainly add something to our team.

"I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing what he brings.

"Hampy's looking forward to the challenge, too, and another player that was really keen to sign for the club, which is excellent."

In addition to Stanway and Wivenhoe, Hampson has also played for the likes of Halstead Town, Braintree Town Reserves and Felixstowe and Walton United.

Regent's other summer signings so far include goalkeeper Charlie Turner, Amir Berkane, Lamell Howell and Romario Dunne.