CANVEY Island attacker George Sykes is targeting another fast start after agreeing a permanent move to the Frost Financial Stadium.

Sykes has spent two short-term spells at the club in the past two seasons, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances for the Gulls including a hat-trick in his very first game.

And the 21-year-old is looking to make a similar impact this season after agreeing a permanent move after his release from Dartford at the end of last term.

“(Manager) Danny (Heale) got in touch after I was released from Dartford and asked if I was interested,” he said. “I met him last week and I thought it was a good move for me. I knew I was not going to be kept on at Dartford as I didn’t play a lot of games. I needed another club and Canvey were a good fit.

“When I went there it was the first time I was given game time and trusted. I was given a chance and I got a good start which helped. Scoring three in my first game gave me a stepping stone and I pushed on.”

The signing of Sykes comes a day after Heale confirmed 14 members of last season’s squad had verbally agreed to remain for the forthcoming campaign.

And, after three years of bottom-half finishes, Sykes is determined to help Canvey push up the league in 2016/17, although says his first priority is playing matches.

“On a personal note I just want to play games and I want goals as well of course,” he said. “As a team, we must be aiming to push on. Canvey started well last season and were at the top of the league in October so that shows we can be up there.

“The play-offs would be my aim as it should be many teams aim. You always need to push for that otherwise there is no point in my mind.

“I need games and there are so many in the Ryman Premier League and with all the cup competitions and that will hopefully help me improve as well.”