FC CLACTON boss Kieron Shelley has thrown down the gauntlet to his players and challenged them to become the club’s next star name.

The Seasiders have just parted company with long-serving player-of-the-year Kevin Coyle, who has moved up the non-league pyramid to join Tendring neighbours Brightlingsea Regent.

The same thing happened at the end of last season, when record goal-scorer Aaron Condon moved in the same direction to North Road.

Shelley says he never has a problem with his players bettering themselves and progressing to a higher-placed club.

Now he says the challenge is there for his remaining squad members to step up to the plate and fill Coyle’s shoes.

“While we’re obviously disappointed to see him go, it gives someone else a chance,” he told the Gazette.

“That’s the nature of football and sometimes as a player you find yourself living in the shadow of someone else.

“Now Kev’s gone, someone else has the chance to really apply themselves and take on the responsibility of becoming our star player.

“We’re looking for someone else to become our match-winner and you can do that by making a big tackle or picking the right pass – you don’t have to be the one who puts the ball in the back of the net.

“Kev will be massively missed, both on and off the pitch, but the door will always be open.

“I’ve never got a problem with someone leaving if they’re bettering themselves and moving to a higher standard.

“What upsets me is if they make a sideways switch or even go backwards.”

Coyle is Clacton’s all-time record appearance-maker and was also a multiple award-winner at the club’s presentation evening in May.

The playmaker was named both manager and supporters’ player-of-the-year, as well as finishing as top goal-scorer.

He also won the Derek Savage ‘champagne moment’ award for his volleyed goal at Newmarket Town.

Shelley says he is a big loss but believes Coyle can flourish at Brightlingsea.

“It’s a great opportunity for Kev,” he said.

“I admire the fact he wants to test himself and progress and the whole squad is right behind him.

“I hope he gives it his best shot and that it proves a really successful move.

“The fact he still wants to play at a higher level should inspire everyone else at the club, especially the younger ones.

“They should share his ambition.

“Kev’s definitely got the ability and now, by his own admission, he’s got the maturity to go with it.

“He’s grown up and become a really nice guy – someone with lots of football knowledge who’s great to have around the dressing room.”

Clacton began their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Stanway Rovers on Saturday.

They then came from behind to win 3-1 at Gas Recreation on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Jamie Beecham, Terry Rymer and Zac Smith-Walter.

Next up they play Weeley Athletic at the Tendring Enterprise College, in Jaywick Lane, on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) before a trip to Cornard United on Tuesday (7.30pm).

Holland FC begin their friendlies with a home match against Brantham Athletic on Saturday.