RETURNING East Thurrock United winger Reece Harris said the club’s ambition was the decisive reason behind his move back to Rookery Hill.

The 25-year-old has spent the last 18 months in the National League playing for Welling United, before their relegation last term.

But he has now moved back to Rocks, who will compete against Welling in the National League South next term after they won promotion via the play-offs almost four weeks ago.

And Harris, who was previously spent five months at the club, said he was excited at the ambition shown by manager John Coventry as Rocks prepare for their first ever season in the second tier of non-league football.

“I wanted to go to a club that would challenge and that was one thing that came across very strongly when I spoke to Covo,” he said. “A lot of managers who have just won promotion are worried about staying up but he wants to push on and be successful and that is what you want to hear when you join a club.

“I am looking forward to linking up with the boys over there, a lot of whom I know well, and trying to tie down a starting spot. It is a strong group and it will only get stronger in the weeks ahead.

“While I was making up my mind Covo was dropping me texts every day asking me to join so I had no choice really,” he laughed.

“I had three or four clubs interested in speaking to me, including one that has just won promotion to the National League, but I know Covo well and once I spoke to him I made up my mind.

“I am going away for a month this week and was keen to get something done before I went and this club is a good fit for me. I played some of my best football when I was at East Thurrock before and I hope I can do that again.”

Harris made 45 appearances for Welling last campaign, winning popularity with the supporters for his tireless performances.

But he admitted being deployed in a number of different roles grew frustrating as he looks to lock down a position on the wings at East Thurrock.

“I made more appearances than any other at Welling last season but I played in more position than anyone as well,” he said. “I played up front by myself, in a two and a three, in central midfield and at full back so although I played 45 games I only played about five or six matches in each position.

“I am happy to play anywhere but I am strongest in wide positions and am excited to meet up with the boys for pre-season.”