NEW assistant boss Adrian Webster is hoping to make a positive impact at FC CLACTON.

The former Colchester United player and coach has joined for the remainder of the season and is looking forward to working with manager Tom Austin.

The 66-year-old admits the opportunity came “out of the blue”.

But he was keen to work with Austin, who he believes has a bright future in management.

He says the pair are “on the same wavelength”, having first met when they were together at the Colne Football Academy, in Brightlingsea.

“I’ve known Tommy since he was in his second year at the Colne,” said Webster, who will be back in the dugout for tonight’s Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup semi-final at WIVENHOE TOWN.

“He was a good player.

“I saw he’d stepped in at Clacton – his first managerial position – and thought ‘good luck to the lad’.

“Then I got a call from him asking if I’d consider coming over to help him out.

“It came out of the blue, to be honest.

“But we had another chat and I said I’d be very happy to come on board.

“We’re very much on the same wavelength in terms of how we think about the game and I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“To be honest, if it had been someone else, I might not have been so interested but I think it’s the right opportunity to take something else on.

“Tommy’s got football intelligence and a lot of the things he said to the players were things I’d experienced and could relate to.

“I was impressed and want to help out.

“I’m not here to step on his toes or interfere.

“Tommy is number one and I just want to help in any way I can and I’m grateful that he’s allowed me to have my input.

“Hopefully the rest of the season will be positive.” 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.”

Webster was appointed last Thursday and took his place in the dugout for Saturday’s 5-0 Thurlow Nunn League premier division defeat at Walsham-le-Willows.

Clacton go to Haverhill Rovers on Saturday and then welcome Coggeshall Town to the Rush Green Bowl next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the club have changed their goalkeeper.

Luke Avenell has joined Coggeshall - so will be back at the Bowl next week - but the Seasiders have resigned Joe Fowler.