BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have made an "essential" addition to their backroom team - bringing back physiotherapist Rob Earle.

The former junior international hammer thrower left in the summer to join Bostik League premier division rivals Needham Market.

However, R's boss Tom Rothery has swooped to bring him back and Earle will be in the dugout again for Saturday's home match against Folkestone Invicta.

“Getting Rob back was an absolute must for me when I returned to the club and I’d like to thank (Needham manager) Richard Wilkins for helping and allowing the move to happen," said Rothery.

"Rob is the best about - it's as simple as that - and if we're serious about what we're doing then his return was essential.

"The club haven’t had a matchday physio since Rob’s departure and he’s a hard person to replace.

"His professionalism and attention to detail are outstanding and not only is he a fantastic physio, he’s also a specialist in rehab work and biomechanics, so him coming back to is a huge coup.

"Rob’s appointment, alongside (assistant boss) Pip (Boyland) and (kitman) Alan (Wright), now completes my backroom staff and gives the players a really professional set-up.

"Hopefully it will allow them flourish and develop, both on and off the pitch."

Rothery also had praise for club secretary Mark Gridley, for his hard work during a hectic month for the Tendring club.

In addition to juggling fixtures, there have been various player arrivals and departures since Rothery was appointed as James Webster's successor.

"Mark's done a great job in the last four weeks," said Rothery.

"With all the outgoings and incomings, it’s been a really busy time for someone who already does a big and important job."

Regent suffered heartache after conceding a last-gasp winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Wingate and Finchley.

It looked like they were on course for a hard-earned point after Josh Gould cancelled out Rob Laney’s opener.

Laney put his side ahead midway through the first half but Gould restored parity on 62 minutes, heading home Aaron Condon’s free-kick.

However, Wingate rallied deep in stoppage time and grabbed their dramatic winner through Ben Pattie.

It was Rothery’s first league defeat since being appointed on October 20.