FC CLACTON manager Kieron Shelley believes new signing Matt Stace could be a vital piece in his Seasiders jigsaw.

The vastly-experienced former Stanway Rovers and Wivenhoe Town defender signed last Thursday and should make his debut in Saturday’s home showdown against Thurlow Nunn League leaders Mildenhall Town.

Clacton are still bottom of the premier division table, having lost all 12 matches.

However, Shelley is adamant his side will turn the corner soon – and has high hopes for Stace, whose dad, John, played for Clacton in the early 1990s.

“Matt’s exactly what we need,” he said. “He’ll come straight in and be a natural leader – the one thing we’re missing.

“He’ll be vocal, organise the boys and take games and situations by the scruff of the neck. He won’t let anyone switch off for a second.

“Matt doesn’t need a captain’s armband to be that kind of player, because that’s his game and he’ll naturally step up.

“He wants to roll his sleeves up and fight for the cause, because he hates seeing the club in this position.

“He knows this league inside out and reads the game so well.

“And even though he might not be as fit as the other lads, because of his age, his experience and quality outweighs that.

“He’ll also work very well with Brad Westley, who has pace in abundance and energy to burn. They’ll complement each other well.

“I’m really looking forward to watching him play and he’ll be a massive string to our bow.

“He’s a no-nonsense player and there’s a mutual respect between us. He knows what I expect.”

Clacton will start as rank outsiders to gain something from Saturday’s match.

While they are still point-less, Mildenhall are riding high at the top of the table with nine wins out of 10.

However, Shelley says they should be not be expecting an easy ride. “Mildenhall will be fit, physical and organised and they’re obviously a quality team,” he said.

“However, I’m really looking forward to it and in many ways the pressure is off.

“They’ll expect to come here and thrash us and the top clubs will probably wonder how many goals they can score against us.

“But we’re certainly moving in the right direction and that mentality plays into our hands.

“We’re not the side we were three or four weeks ago and if anyone comes here expecting an easy ride, we stand a chance of catching them out.”

“We’ll work so hard and any team we play will have to battle for their points.”

Skipper Adam Daniels is unavailable for Saturday’s match.