Thurrock-born James Stevens has signed for the Blues from Witham Town after the two clubs agreed a deal late last week which meant he did not feature for either side during our league clash on Saturday.

Stevens, also a Northern Ireland youth international, resisted a move to Billericay Town last December as he took the division by storm and was instrumental in driving Witham Town towards promotion, scoring 20 goals and earning the Managers Player Of The Year award.

The 22-year-old central midfielder has decided the time is right to join an improving side with competition for places which also offers the unique opportunity to learn from players like Glen Little and Mark Bentley.

Blues manager Jody Brown was delighted that a deal could be reached with Witham Town as "James is a player I have admired for a while. He scores goals, has a good range of passing and is a major threat from set-plays."

Brown also believes the timing of the step-up into the challenging environment of an evolving and improving squad will be good for both player and club.

"The squad is evolving all the time, and we are learning what is needed in this division. With Bentley and Little both suffering with niggles, and an obvious lack of goals from midfield so far this year, I'm pleased to have got James in.

"He knows there's competition for places here, and the fact he is taking on that challenge is pleasing. He's another young player, and will develop in around players like Glen & Mark, and hopefully he will be a long term part of the clubs progress."