JAMIE Guy says he has been pleasantly impressed by the quality of the Witham Town squad that manager Marc Benterman has assembled as the club continue preparations ahead of the BetVictor Isthmian League division north season.

The 31-year-old played in the Championship as a youngster with Colchester United and his experience, as well as his striking ability, will be an asset within Benterman's youthful group this year.

He showed he has lost none of his scoring instincts with a clinical finish in a 1-0 win at Halstead Town last weekend and Guy said he is pleased that Benterman has built a squad who he feels can challenge in division north this year.

“I’ve been really impressed and I’ve actually been quite surprised," said Guy.

“There were a lot more boys when I first came in, but Marc has narrowed down the squad and he’s getting close to what it’s going to be come August 17 for our first game.

“There’s a really good mix in there.

“We have some good young players and there are a couple of older heads and that’s good.

“I’m just determined on a personal note to get myself as fit as I can because I want to play football.

“I’ve been away from this sort of league for a little while, but a lot of the faces are the same and teams don’t change so it’s all familiar."

Guy admits that he has had to work on his fitness this summer, but is revelling in being back involved at a good level of football.

“It’s really good to be here and I’ve really enjoyed it so far," he added.

“I’ve missed football a lot.

“I played for Leon (Moore) Marc’s assistant at Debenham last year and I’ve been at Witham before when I was with Kingy and as soon as they got involved, they got in touch and I was keen to come in.

“To be honest, I hadn’t really been playing for a while and I was a bit concerned about the fitness but I’ve been working hard at it away from football and now at football and I’m getting there.

“I’m getting there slowly, but I’m feeling sharp and I just hope it continues.

“I’ve scored three in three games so far, so I’m pleased about that.

“By the 17th of August I’ll be up there in terms of fitness – I’ll be ready to go."