RETURNING FC Clacton striker Tom Holdstock has admitted it was a tough decision to leave coastal rivals Holland FC.

The front man previously played for the Seasiders over two spells between 2013 and 2015.

Now he has returned for a third stint and he made his first appearance since rejoining in last Wednesday’s League Cup defeat against Coggeshall Town.

Afterwards he admitted it was a tricky decision but now, having made the move, he wants to stay and have a settled spell with Clacton.

“It was a hard decision because I was happy and got on really well with all the boys at Holland,” he told the Gazette.

“I’d scored a few goals and the team were doing well.

“I’ve got total respect for the club and I’d never say anything against them.

“But I’ve turned 24 now and just want to play at the highest level I can. I want to push myself higher and see how I do.

“This move has taken me a step back up the pyramid – it’s not like I’ve gone to another club in the first division - and I’ve always had a bond with Clacton.

“I know some people might be a bit upset about me moving between the clubs but this is my third spell at Clacton.

“I started here and now I’m really hoping to be here for a while, because I don’t want to keep moving around.

“I’d really like to stay and I’d really like to settle somewhere.

“(Clacton manager) Kieron (Shelley) and (assistant) Mike (Wallace) are trying to push the club and they’ve come on a lot since I was first here three or four years ago.

“It’s the little things that really make a difference and I’m looking forward to it.”

Coggeshall powered into the next round of the League Cup after a comfortable 5-0 victory at the Rush Green Bowl last Wednesday.

One-up at the break, the Seedgrowers stepped up a gear in the second half to add four more goals.

An own goal put them on the road to victory before strikes from Nnamdi Nwachuku (two), Tom Monk and Jack Hayes.

It was Coggeshall’s third victory against Clacton this season, having also defeated them in the Thurlow Nunn League and eliminated them from the FA Vase.

However, the Seasiders got straight back on the victory trail by beating Saffron Walden Town 3-1 on Saturday, in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Jake Plane was their two-goal hero, while Kevin Coyle was also on target with his 100th Clacton goal, to complete a satisfying premier division victory at the Rush Green Bowl.

The Seasiders were two-up inside eight minutes before completing the job in the second period, making it back-to-back league wins.

They have only lost one of their last ten league games.

Holland suffered their fourth Thurlow Nunn League first division defeat in a row on Saturday, going down 4-0 at Swaffham Town.

They will hope to get back on track this weekend when they host Downham Town.