FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin believes he has made two "massive additions" in signing vastly-experienced duo Kevin Coyle and Josh Gould.

Coyle, who was most recently at Harwich and Parkeston, needs no introduction to Seasiders followers, having made more than 400 appearances.

He is also the club's all-time leading goalscorer, breaking the record in style with a hat-trick at Saffron Walden Town in April 2018.

His treble that afternoon moved him onto 104 Clacton goals, surpassing the previous record of 103 held by Aaron Condon.

Gould, meanwhile, has joined from Tendring neighbours Brightlingsea Regent.

The centre-half has been a pivotal figure in the R's rise to step three football, into the BetVictor Isthmian League premier division via the Thurlow Nunn League.

"Kev and Josh are two massive additions and between them they've probably played 800 games," said Austin.

"Kev can play in various positions and, as everyone at the club knows, brings real quality.

"It's a brilliant addition and the same goes for Josh, who's a big, tall centre-half who will lead by example.

"He's played two levels higher than this and both players are important signings, in terms of where we want to get to.

"We're here to win matches and are committed to being successful. These boys will help us achieve that aim.

"Unfortunately, we've got a lot of injuries at the moment but when those players are back, and given these signings, I'm going to have some difficult decisions to make. That's exactly what I want."

Clacton made the long trip to Gorleston on Saturday but suffered a 3-1 defeat on the Norfolk coast.

After falling behind, Wayne Chapman popped up with an equaliser midway through the first half.

Gorleston then scored twice more after the break to wrap up victory.

"They were poor and we were even worse," added Austin.

"We're having a bit of a blip at the moment but the only way we're going to get through it is by sticking together and working hard.

"We need to regroup and get back to basics.

"Hopefully we can get back to where we were a few weeks ago because we want to finish as high in the table as possible."

Clacton have a home date with Kirkley and Pakefield on Saturday.

Kick-off at the Austin Arena is at 3pm.