DEFENDER TJ Amass has revealed that he nearly quit football and had lost his love for the sport before rejoining Brightlingsea Regent.

The 29-year-old did not have a regular club and was making occasional appearances in the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

He thought his non-league career could be petering out before a chance conversation with Brightlingsea in early February.

It led to him rejoining a club that he previously helped gain promotion from the Thurlow Nunn League.

And he admits he has not looked back since.

“I took some time out to be with my baby daughter,” said Amass.

“And in terms of my football, I thought that was going to be the end for me.

“I thought I was going to retire.

“I hadn’t been enjoying myself and I’d lost my love of football.

“It was such a shame because I’ve played since I was seven and only missed one season, when I broke my leg (while playing for Stanway Rovers).

“I’ve not missed another since, other than the start of this one.

“But I started to miss it and began thinking about football again one Saturday night, when I was watching Match of the Day.

“Then one of the committee members (senior football secretary Tony Osborne) here, an old schoolfriend, sent me a message saying not to give up.

“He told me I was too good not to be playing.

“(Manager) Tom (Rothery) was happy for me to come over and train and I ended up signing on. I’ve loved it ever since.”

Amass has been a regular starter since rejoining Brightlingsea and is hoping to play his part in the club’s next two matches, both in Middlesex.

They visit Staines Town tonight before a trip to Enfield Town on Saturday.

After that they return to the Taydal Stadium for an Easter Monday showdown against Lowestoft Town.

“It’s a tough league and this is the highest I’ve played,” said the former Heybridge Swifts and Chelmsford City man.

“Any slip or mistake, you’ll get punished and at the other end, you might only get one chance in a game so you’ve got to take it.

“But I’m really enjoying being back and have always loved this club.

“I always wanted to come back one day.

“The fans are different class and give you such a lift when you’re on a bit of a low.

“They really pick you up and feel like friends.

“It’s such a well-run club and I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve been playing.

“I’m getting there, having not played much this season.

“When you’re not playing, you lose fitness and then you’re not at your best.

“You don’t do yourself justice.

“I’m looking forward to pre-season.

“Hopefully I’ll be kept on and then I’ll come back in the summer and give it 110%.”

Elsewhere, there are Bostik League division north fixtures for MALDON AND TIPTREE, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS and WITHAM TOWN.

All three are on their travels, at Dereham Town, Cheshunt and AFC Sudbury respectively.

Heybridge then play again on Thursday night, at home to Brentwood Town.