FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin says the returning Billy Wales will bring quality and versatility to his Seasiders squad.

The midfielder, who has made more than 250 appearances for the club, has rejoined after a short spell with neighbours Holland FC.

The move was finalised on Monday night and Wales should go straight into the squad for Saturday's Thurlow Nunn League premier division trip to Kirkley and Pakefield.

"Billy's a Clacton lad and someone who's spent most of his career here, so it's great welcoming him home to the Bowl," Austin told the Gazette.

"He's a popular lad in the changing room and the fans love him, too.

"He's very versatile and the great thing is that wherever you play him, he looks comfortable.

"When he plays out wide, he whizzes past people before producing great deliveries into the box.

"When he plays at left-back, he's solid and uses the ball well.

"And when he's in midfield, he tackles, wins the ball and drives past people.

"He's just a very natural, talented player who will bring great value to our team."

Austin wanted to pep up his squad and believes Wales could be a vital part of the jigsaw, in terms of the club's quest to finish in the top ten. They are currently 13th.

"I felt we needed to freshen things up a bit anyway and, fingers crossed, Billy will be in the squad for Saturday," said the Clacton boss.

"He hasn't played much in the last month and will need a bit of game-time but he's a fit lad and hopefully he'll slot straight back in.

"He's got a lot of experience and having him on board will help keep everyone on their toes, which can only be a good thing.

"He can play in four or five positions and that means everyone else should be looking over their shoulder.

"No-one should be comfortable or complacent about playing and we're a level where you need that competition for places.

"With someone of his calibre on board, it'll hopefully help us finish in the top ten.

"He just wants to play and he's at an age where he'll really get hold of games, run the show and sometimes win matches single-handedly.

"To finish in the top ten would be a really big achievement."

Clacton were left without a game last weekend following the postponement of their home match against Haverhill Rovers.

The game was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.