BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss Tom Rothery believes new signing Harry Palmer has “all the tools to be an outstanding goalkeeper”.

The 22-year-old has signed on the dotted line after playing in the R’s last two Bostik League premier division games, against Folkestone Invicta and Burgess Hill Town.

He stepped in for the injured Sam Cowler, who has now been de-registered and told he can move on.

Palmer has become Rothery’s fifth signing since taking over, following in the footsteps of Jake Turner, Sam Ashford, Jack Newman and Louie Newland.

And the R’s boss says he has been hugely impressed with the young shot-stopper.

“Harry has impressed me with his attitude and desire to play for the club and be settled with Regent,” said Rothery.

“He trains daily at Southend (United) and is always looking to develop his game. His talking and general organisation with the back four in the past two games has been really noticeable and something that’s stood out for me.

“He has all the tools to be an outstanding goalkeeper for Brightlingsea and grow alongside the club.

“He’s a really good lad and very humble and will fit in perfectly with the other lads.” Palmer played for Haringey Borough last season when they were narrowly defeated in the play-off semi-finals and he has been at Dorking Wanderers this season, before becoming available.

His arrival means Cowler is now free to move on.

“Sadly, as happens with football, Sam will now be de-registered and is free to move elsewhere,” added Rothery.

“We wish him all the best and thank him for his time here, which included helping the club win the division north title last season.”

Having already been knocked out of the FA Trophy, Regent are without a game on Saturday and they do not play again until visiting Dulwich Hamlet on December 9.

They had been due to entertain Leatherhead on December 2, but that game has been rescheduled for January 23 because their opponents are in FA Cup action.

WITHAM TOWN also have a free weekend, following their FA Trophy exit.

However, MALDON AND TIPTREE, who looked to be without a game, have now rescheduled their league fixture against Dereham Town.

It will be the Norfolk side’s second visit to Maldon in a week, after beating Heybridge Swifts last Saturday.