NEW FC Clacton assistant boss Mike Wallace says he could not turn down the opportunity to test himself in management.

The Merseysider has joined from Ryman League division north champions Brightlingsea Regent, where he had his "best five months in football" as performance analyst with the North Road club.

However, Seasiders boss Kieron Shelley has now given him an opportunity to cut his teeth in management.

And Wallace says it was a chance he could not turn down.

"It was a very tough decision as I loved everything about Brightlingsea," said the 34-year-old.

"James (Webster) has given me my confidence back in football and he and the boys gave me my best-ever five months in the game.

"But the opportunity to see if I can do it (management) was, in the end, the reason why I couldn't say no.

"I know a lot of people will be thinking I'm not ready to be a number two at this level but I can only do my best and see where it takes me.

"Having watched over a hundred games over the last two years, I feel I have the knowledge for the role and I also hope to use my analysing skills in the dugout, giving a different outlook."

Wallace has been with Clacton before and was a coach during Glenn Eldridge's tenure at the Rush Green Bowl.

Now he is looking forward to joining up with Seasiders boss Shelley and player-coaches Tom Austin and Kevin Coyle.

"I've made some mistakes along the way but also learnt a lot from working with good coaches and spending time around the likes of (former FC Clacton boss) David Coyle and James (Webster).

"I hope to use what I've learnt from them in my new role."

Clacton discovered last week that both they are Wivenhoe Town have been granted a reprieve from relegation and will continue to play in the top flight of the Thurlow Nunn League.

The north Essex pair will form part of an increased 24-team premier division for the 2017/18 campaign.

Clacton second from bottom, avoiding the wooden spoon after a final-day victory at basement boys Swaffham Town.

However, rather than falling through the trapdoor into division one, they will remain in the premier division, according to the provisional step five and six line-ups published on Friday.

Coggeshall Town were one of the three promoted teams last season, along with Haverhill Borough and Stowmarket Town, and the new line-up also includes Histon and Wroxham, who were relegated from the Southern League and Ryman League respectively.

The division one line-up again includes Holland FC and newly-promoted Little Oakley, following their success in winning last season's Essex and Suffolk Border League title.

Clacton have revealed a list of players who have committed to playing for them next season and among them are Ben Parkin and Billy Wales.

Both are former players who will be heading back to the Bowl.

Wales spent last season with coastal rivals Holland.

The full list published on the club website is Kevin Coyle, Wayne Chapman, Lee Clowsley, Paddi Hawkins, Louie Newland, Austin, Kyelan Marvell, Joe Moore, Parkin and Wales.