Witham Town have announced that former Colchester United and Braintree Town striker Jamie Guy has become their first summer signing as they prepare for life in the Ryman League premier division.

The 26-year-old joins Town on the back of their division one north play-off success last week as manager Garry Kimble starts building his squad to compete at the higher level next season.

Guy was at fellow division one north side Heybridge Swifts last season after joining them from Needham Market, but started his career at Colchester United.

He came through the U’s youth system and broke into the first team during the 2004/5 campaign before going on to make more than 50 appearances, with 43 of those coming in the Championship.

He was released by Colchester in 2010 and signed for Braintree Town where he helped them get elevated to the Conference Premier, but sustained a horrific injury during that promotion campaign.

The double leg break he suffered at Eastleigh looked as if it may have ended his career, but Guy battled back to fitness and went to join Maldon and Tiptree, before heading to Needham.

He has continued to score goals at all the clubs he has played for and Witham assistant boss Brad King said they were glad to have him on board.

King said: “Garry and I are really pleased to have signed Jamie as we believe can score goals at any level and has proven this.

“The only question mark was his fitness but we saw Jamie when we played Heybridge last season and is back to the fitness levels when he was pro in league football.

“He has worked hard in his own time as he wants to get back to his best.

“His ability is second to none and his experience will be vital in the Prem.”