BOWERS & Pitsea have stolen a march on their rivals and snapped up former Basildon United assistant manager Wayne Franklin ahead of the new season.

Bowers boss Rob Small has added the Bees number two and goalkeeping coach, after Franklin informed Basildon boss Craig Gillam he would be leaving the Bees.

Small says the acquisition of Franklin, 50, will be one of the biggest he makes this summer and says he will be a crucial addition to his staff.

“Wayne is a real footballing man,” he said of the former Bowers, Billericay Town and Canvey Island player. “He knows the game back to front and will be very important for us as we try to emulate what we did last season.

“You can’t buy people like Wayne Franklin. He will be able to help me as Mark (Hunter – coach) has other coaching responsibilities, so he will have a big part to play.”

And Franklin, who has also coached at Southend United, Grays Athletic and Tilbury, may prove himself more useful that just a coach. Despite his age, the veteran has continue to play on in the Essex Senior League.

He played the final game of last season for the Bees, as they won 2-1 at Takeley.

Small says Franklin will be a great help to his keepers, Dylan Skinner and Dave Levey, who has just been promoted from the under-18s team.

“He loves the game and loves goalkeeping. He will be a great addition to the club,” said Small.

The Bowers chief said nearly 100 per cent of his squad have verbally agreed to re-sign next season, as they look to build upon their second-place finish in the Essex Senior League from last year.

l As Franklin leaves Basildon, Gillam has moved to replace him at the TLM Stadium.

Lee Connor, former Perimo (Mid-Essex Football League) manager has signed up to be Gillam’s number two.

Gillam said: “Things are looking excellent. The club is really looking great this year. I am very happy with how things are going.”