CLIFF Akurang is the new manager of Heybridge Swifts.

The striker, who plundered 24 goals in 16 appearances for the club during the 2005/06 season, has been appointed as Keith Wilson's successor at Scraley Road.

Swifts chairman Nick Bowyer said: "I was very impressed by Cliff’s technical knowledge and his experience in developing young players.

"His talent and modern outlook will be a fantastic asset to our football club.’’

Ghana-born Akurang, 33, started his footballing career on the youth books of Chelsea and Luton Town and went on to play for the likes of Dagenham and Redbridge and Barnet, in addition to a host of non-league sides including Braintree Town and more recently Maldon and Tiptree.

Ironically, Swifts' next home game is against neighbours Maldon - where Akurang had been player-coach - on Boxing Day.