FC CLACTON boss Kieron Shelley has admitted being delighted with his summer recruitment so far - and is relishing the prospect of a selection headache next season.

The Seasiders have signed strikers Terry Rymer and Michael Runicles, goalkeeper Peter Haxell, midfielder Jake Plane and full-backs Jake Hearn and Harry White.

They join others to have already committed for next season, including Billy Wales, Ben Parkin and new skipper Wayne Chapman.

Shelley is adamant that with his new signings on board, and a bigger, stronger squad, his team can flourish in next season’s Thurlow Nunn League.

“We’re bringing in players who are better than we’ve already got and who bring something different to the table,” he told the Gazette.

“It’s not just a question of making up the numbers and topping up the squad.

“Our starting line-up was strong last season but then when we lost one or two, it was almost impossible to bring in players of the same quality.

“Now we should have genuine competition for places and it’s going to be hard for me to keep everyone happy.

“Having said that, I’d much rather have that kind of headache than be scratching around trying to put a side together.

“I’m feeling really positive and we’re all determined to do something next season. We want to turn heads.

“For a club from a big town like ours, it was almost embarrassing to be struggling at the wrong end of the table.

“I’m pretty sure there won’t be any repeats next season.”

Shelley is confident his side will pose plenty of goal threat and is looking forward to a blossoming partnership between former Brightlingsea Regent goal king Rymer and ex-Halstead Town man Runicles, who finished last season at Long Melford and scored on his Clacton debut in Tuesday’s 3-1 pre-season friendly defeat at Cornard United.

“Michael’s a very good player and a different type of striker to the others at the club,” said the Clacton boss.

“He’s awkward and difficult for defenders to handle, a great finisher and someone who works hard and has a good engine.

“He’s also got a great attitude and, having not played too much football at this level before, he feels he’s got a point to prove.

“He’ll work well with Terry, who himself is looking sharp and has already got a couple of goals in pre-season.

“He knows he’s let himself down a bit in the last few years, by not sticking with a club and getting a run of 30 to 40 games.

“But I believe he’s potentially the best number nine in the area and he could easily play at a higher level.

“He’s a big, strong awkward striker who’s also great with the younger players.

“He’s got a professional attitude in the way he wants to win and do well.”

Clacton’s next friendly is at home to Witham Town, at Tendring Education Centre, in Jaywick Lane, at 2pm on Saturday.

They were then due to host Brightlingsea at the Rush Green Bowl on Monday night. However, the match has now been switched in Strangers Corner, in Brightlingsea (7pm).