FC CLACTON striker Terry Rymer says he is far from a spent force - and believes he should be in his prime.

The frontman recently returned to the Seasiders after a short spell with Thurlow Nunn League neighbours Brantham Athletic.

By his own admission, he is not fully match-fit and needs to keep working on his fitness.

However, he has vowed to get himself in tip-top shape and start doing what he is known for on the non-league circuit - scoring goals.

“I feel I have a few more years left in me at this level and want to prove that to everyone, myself included," he told the Gazette.

“I feel I have a point to prove.

“I should be in my prime and feel I have different qualities now, compared to years ago.

“I have experience and strength, because of my time in the gym, and the ability to score goals and hold the ball up."

Rymer, who was in the starting line-up for Saturday's 1-0 victory against Long Melford, is aware that his return to the club may be met with disparaging comments, because of his fitness and because he left earlier in the season to join Brantham.

However, he is determined to prove people wrong.

“I’m aware of negative comments about me but have broad shoulders," said the 29-year-old.

“People have always doubted my ability, even when I was a young player, but I’ve always enjoyed proving them wrong.

“People are quick to jump on you when things aren’t going so well.

“They find it easier to do that than applaud you when you’re scoring goals.

“The main thing, though, is to prove a point to myself – that I’m not finished.

“I can’t blame anyone else and know it’s about me and my attitude to fitness.

“I can’t just roll up, be unfit and score goals.

“You have to put the effort in – no matter what sport you play, regardless of the level."

The Seasiders have no match this weekend but return to Thurlow Nunn League action on Tuesday, when they have a rearranged fixture at Gorleston.

After a difficult few weeks for the club, Rymer is determined to help them get "up and running again".

“I didn’t ever want to leave Clacton," he said.

“I’ve got a good rapport with the boys.

“Coming back was a no-brainer and although the club have struggled since the turn of the year, I want to do my bit to get them up and running again.

“I want to help the club get some wins.

“Clacton have some creative players – they’ve just been missing someone to put the ball in the back of the net – but we’re a team that has to work hard for absolute everything we get.

“We haven’t got the quality of the likes of Felixstowe or Stowmarket.

"That’s just me being realistic.

“However, what we do have is work-rate and a willingness to out-work teams.

“That’s what was getting us points and respect from other teams earlier in the season and that’s what we have to do again."