EXPERIENCED coach Adrian Webster has been confirmed as Tom Austin's assistant manager at FC Clacton.

The 66-year-old former Colchester United player and coach has joined for the rest of the season and will be hoping to help the Seasiders produce a strong finish to their Thurlow Nunn League campaign.

Webster has spent a lifetime in the game, having played his part in the famous United States soccer revolution of the 1970s.

The star-studded North American Soccer League was in its pomp at this time and he rubbed shoulders with the likes of Pele, George Best and Bobby Moore.

After moving to the famous Seattle Sounders in 1974, Webster captained them in the Soccer Bowl three years later before going on to play in the Major Indoor Soccer League and coach in Arizona and Phoenix.

After nearly 20 years in the States, he returned to Essex in 1991 and linked up with former club Colchester, with whom he had first signed professional terms in 1968.

He undertook several roles, including Centre of Excellence Manager and within the youth set-up, at Layer Road.

Webster also spent a decade working at the Colne Academy, in Brightlingsea.

He is also no stranger to the north Essex non-league circuit, either, having previously managed Brightlingsea United (now Regent) and Halstead Town.

Seasiders boss Austin has agreed to take over until the end of the season, following the recent departure of manager Kieron Shelley and assistant Mike Wallace.

However, he had made no secret of his desire to get some help on board by appointing a right-hand man.

“Adrian is a big figure round here, experienced and well-connected," he said.

“The players will respect him.

“I feel I need some help.

“I’ve been looking to get someone else in and this is great appointment for the club.”

Austin told his players during training on Thursday evening.