HARWICH and Parkeston's Nicky Palmer is eyeing up an appearance milestone after re-signing for the Shrimpers.

The all-action midfielder says he "couldn't be happier" to be part of the club's revival back at step six level of the non-league pyramid and already has his sights set on making 200 appearances for the Royal Oak outfit.

His current tally stands at over 100.

"I couldn't be happier to be back in the famous black and white stripes," Palmer told the Standard.

"I came through the club at youth level and was a player here when they pulled out of the then Ridgeons League.

"I can still remember sitting down with (chairman) Tony Armstrong and having a conversation about it.

"To now be involved with the club's revival in any capacity is just fantastic, let alone having a playing role.

"I’ve made well over 100 appearances and would love to make it to 200.

"I felt to some extent we’d let Tony down when lots of players left after we thought we were going to be promoted a few seasons back and it didn’t happen.

"So I’d already told him at the back end of last season I’d sign regardless of who was running the club.

"To have (manager) Kieron (Shelley) and (assistant) Mike (Wallace) as managers has certainly vindicated that decision."

Harwich came from behind to secure a 3-3 draw at home to White Ensign in their opening Thurlow Nunn League division one south match on Saturday.

And they return to the Royal Oak tonight, for an eagerly-awaited derby at home to neighbours Holland FC.

By coincidence, Palmer, who was among the scorers at the weekend, rejoined Harwich from the Eastcliff outfit.

"It’ll certainly be odd to play against Holland as I made many lifelong friends there and shared some of my most enjoyable football memories playing under Rob Batten and Glen Cowen, especially scoring a brace against March Town and finishing fifth in our first season in the Thurlow Nunn League," he added.

"But we'll play to win and, as long as we give a good account of ourselves and work for each other, we have every chance.

"We worked hard at the weekend and if not for a couple of mistakes, we could’ve won."