NEW FC Clacton striker Max Booth is ready to start re-climbing the football ladder.

The 19-year-old was a scholar at Needham Market and spent six months at Ipswich Town, playing for the Blues’ under-18s and under-23s.

After being released from Portman Road he joined Bostik League outfit AFC Sudbury.

But after finding his first-team appearances limited, he admits his confidence dipped and he ended up playing for Essex and Suffolk Border League side Stanway Pegasus.

The second division high-fliers are jointly managed by his dad, Ian, and former Clacton manager Ray Turner.

Now Booth is ready to kick-start his career again and he believes he has made a smart choice in joining the Seasiders, despite interest from another Bostik League side.

“I’m very happy to have signed and believe it’s going to be a great experience here,” he told the Gazette.

“It’s a good set-up at Clacton.

“It was a tough decision in the sense that a higher-placed side also showed interest but this feels like the right move at the right time.

“I’ve been playing at a lower level, with Stanway Pegasus, because I wanted to start enjoying my football again. I’d lost some enthusiasm towards the end of my time at Sudbury.

“I was in and out of the side and my confidence wasn’t very high.

“Stanway was a great chance to get that confidence back but now I’m looking to climb the ladder again.

“Hopefully this move can kick-start my football career.

“I’ve got my enjoyment and love of the game back and I’ve got a manager who believes in me (Tom Austin).

“I’m going to do everything I can for him and his team.

“It’s a new challenge for me.”

Booth made an instant impact after scoring on his debut, in last Tuesday’s Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup quarter-final at Little Oakley.

The tie finished 3-3 after 90 minutes but it was the Acorns that eventually went through on penalties (4-2).

“It was disappointing I couldn’t start with a win,” added Booth.

“It’s always good to score on your debut but we conceded two quick goals and, as a team, need to work a bit harder to defend and get back behind the ball.

“Apart from that, there were lots of positives.

“We’ve got new players in the squad, like myself, and it’s going to take time to gel.

“But there’s lots of potential and that’s why I was happy to join.

“Hopefully we can bounce back, come back strongly and the next few weeks will be really good.

“I’d describe myself as a confident player who backs himself in one-on-one situations.

“I try and create a bit of magic and get myself a goal every now and then, to help my team win games.

“There’s lots to look forward to and the future looks bright.”

Clacton boss Austin was glowing in his praise of Booth, when speaking to the Gazette.

He tipped him to become a real crowd-pleaser – someone he would happily pay to watch week in, week out.

“It’s always great when the manager backs you,” said Booth.

“Tom and I have known each other for a while.

“He knows what I’m capable of and I’ll be doing my very best to do what I can for his team.”