BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery has hailed the quality and electric pace of new recruit Ace Howell.

The 22-year-old has joined from Coggeshall Town and his arrival was confirmed by the R's on Tuesday lunchtime.

Rothery had previously tried to sign Howell in the summer, having been impressed by the former Ipswich Town youngster.

The Regent boss was therefore delighted to get the deal over the line this week.

"Ace will add something to us in the final third and has a different dimension to the other players in our squad," he said.

"His pace will be a huge addition and the fact he has real quality with that is obviously another big factor and again further strengthens our squad.

"His brother already being at the club will help him settle in quickly and I’m expecting big things from him.

"I believe he could be that spark we need going forward.

"He’s only 22 so, once again, I believe he's somebody (assistant manager) Pip (Boyland) and I can develop and aim to get the best out of."

Howell is eligible for tonight’s BetVictor Isthmian League premier division game at home to Bowers and Pitsea (kick-off 7.45pm).

The former Coggeshall man had previously started out at Needham Market, where he earned a professional deal with Ipswich Town after impressing with the Marketmen.

Ace's brother, winger Lamell, recently re-signed for Regent after a successful campaign at Brantham Athletic.

Regent started their campaign with a 0-0 draw at Margate on Saturday and they return to the Taydal Stadium this weekend for a home fixture against Merstham.