FC CLACTON boss Mark Nicholls says he is aiming to help the club’s players progress during his time as their manager.

The Seasiders are set to resume their Thurlow Nunn League premier division season this weekend when they host Norwich United, at the Rush Green Bowl.

They follow that up with another home game against Walsham Le Willows, next Tuesday night.

Supporters are allowed to attend the games, with FC Clacton hoping they will be there to cheer them on.

Nicholls took over as Clacton boss at the end of October and the former Chelsea striker is hoping to use all of his experience in the game to help the club – and its squad – make strides.

Nicholls said: “Steve (Andrews) has obviously got his ambitions for the season and I know what they are – that’s what I’m aiming to do plus more.

“It’s a local community club and we have a good fanbase as we saw at Hadleigh, where a lot of people turned up.

“It’s what I wanted to do and I want to help players progress.

“They’re in it for a short amount of time as I was and you’ve got to be able to progress as quickly as you can and make the best of football.”

Nicholls took over from Tom Austin as FC Clacton manager, in October.

The 43-year-old is also involved with Elmden Rovers, for whom his son plays.

“I moved up with my family probably a year and a half ago,” added Nicholls, who made 36 Premier League appearances for Chelsea between 1995 and 2001.

“I coach my son’s under-ten side as well and I wanted to get into football.

“Kevin Coyle’s son plays for my son’s team as well and he mentioned it to me and whether I wanted to go down and have a chat.

“So I went and had a chat, gave him my views and explained a little bit about myself and we went from there.”