STRIKER Terry Rymer believes he has taken a step forward, rather than one backwards, after rejoining Holland FC.

The experienced front man has returned to Eastcliff after a spell with Thurlow Nunn League premier division high-fliers Brantham Athletic.

It means he has dropped a rung on the non-league ladder, from step five to step six.

However, on a personal level and in terms of his fitness, Rymer insists it is the right move at the right time.

“I feel like I need minutes under my belt and there’s no guarantee of that at Brantham,” said the former FC Clacton striker.

“That’s why I signed for Holland.

“Technically, it’s a step backwards but in my eyes it’s a step forward because I’m going to play more here.

“Brantham didn’t want to lose me but they understood where I was coming from.

“I’m fitter now. As I’ve said before, I’ve let myself down in the past but I’ve been doing all the right things.

“I’ve lost a stone and although I still have more to go, what will really push me on is game time.

“The match sharpness will take me to the levels I need to get to.

“It’s about trying to get into good habits and I need to be playing games.”

Rymer was in the starting line-up for Saturday’s eye-catching 4-2 victory against in-form May and Baker.

The Dagenham-based side had won their last five games and scored 27 times in that run but Holland halted them in their tracks at the W&S Scaffolding Community Stadium.

Steve Eaton scored twice and he was joined on the scoresheet by Chris Ribchester and Jimmy Webb.

It completed back-to-back Thurlow Nunn League wins for Holland, after pipping Brightlingsea Regent 1-0 last Tuesday.

And on both occasions, Rymer played all 90 minutes.

Now he is hoping for more of the same heading into Saturday’s division one south contest at Fire United.

“There are some talented players here at Holland,” said the 30-year-old.

“They started the season well and I was watching from afar.

“Obviously I’ve played for them before so know the club.

“I know all the boys and am glad to be back.

“I’m really pleased with our last couple of results because we went into those games on the back of a really poor result against Wivenhoe (losing 2-1).

“When the going gets tough, Holland have crumbled in the past you’re never going to be a winning side if that happens.

“There will be times when you have to come from behind and you’re not always going to win four and 5-0.

“You have to roll your sleeves up, get on with it and grind results out.

“That’s why I’m so pleased to be back to winning ways.

“Holland have got the players and facilities to really push on now and I’m hoping to play my part, by getting fit and scoring goals.”

Rob Batten’s side have a rearranged First Division Knockout Cup tie at Little Oakley on Tuesday night.