BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have received a double-boost heading into Friday’s festive fixture at FC Clacton.

The first is that long-term injury victim Sam Holman is nearing a comeback and should return to light training in early January.

The second regards the club’s new stand, which is needed in order to apply for Ryman League promotion.

In order to go up to step four football, Brightlingsea need to meet specific ground criteria.

The new stand is a vital part of that and boss James Webster said the money is now in place to buy it, thanks to the club’s FA Vase prize-money, new sponsorship and funds raised at their recent race night at North Road.

Webster has a near fully-fit squad for Friday’s Tendring derby – a 3pm kick-off at the Rush Green Bowl.

The only absentee is Holman, but the midfielder should hit the comeback trail early in 2014.

“That would be great news as he was our outstanding player last season, scooping all our awards,” said Webster.

“He was a big reason why we got promoted, so it would be like having a new marquee signing for us to get him back in the team.”

Brightlingsea’s game at CRC was called off due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday afternoon.