New signing Joe Fowler is hoping to play his part in a promotion push at Halstead Town.

The shot-stopper has joined the Humbugs from Thurlow Nunn League premier division side FC Clacton.

He swept the boards at the Seasiders’ end-of-season awards at the end of the 2013/14 season.

And he is hoping to replicate that form during his time at Rosemary Lane.

“I feel it’s the right move for me and I’m very excited about next season,” said Fowler.

“When I was at Stanway Rovers, we were pushing for a top-three spot but aside from that I’ve never been at a club challenging for promotion or a title.

“It’s going to be a new experience for me and I feel confident I’m joining a club on the up.

“Halstead are definitely heading in the right direction.

“They’ve done a lot of work to their ground and they have things in place to try and move up the ladder.

“They’ve also got some very good players and I was impressed straight away.

“They’ve finished in the top five for the last couple of seasons and the gaffer has already brought in one or two new faces, to help the club push for promotion.”

Fowler is relishing the competition for the number one spot with fellow keeper and new signing Jack Cherry.

“(Manager) Mark (Benterman) has really impressed me and I welcome the competition with Jack.

“I think it’s really good, to keep each other on our toes.”

While excited about his move, Fowler says Clacton will always have a “big place” in his heart.

Fowler first joined the Seasiders at the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

After establishing himself as the number one choice between the sticks, he swept the boards at the end-of-year awards.

He moved on to Brantham Athletic but a change of management in the second half of the campaign saw him end the season at Stanway, before moving back to the Rush Green Bowl in the summer of 2015.

“Clacton will always have a big place in my heart,” said the 22-year-old.

“I care deeply about the club and really hope they have a good season.

“It’s sad that a few of us have left, given the year we had together and achieving a tenth-place finish – the highest in FC Clacton history.

“Had we stayed together and added a couple more faces, we could have pushed on and tried to finish even higher.

“I’ve got great memories of my time with the club and as well as the position last season, the best thing was the way we tried to play – bringing the ball out from the back.

“I felt I had to do what’s right for me and that’s why I’ve made this move to Halstead.

“Clacton will push on, though, and hopefully the new manager (Tom Gooder) can bring a few new faces in and do a very good job.

“I had three training sessions with him and was very impressed.”