BOWERS & Pitsea manager Rob Small fought off interest from the Ryman Premier League to sign hitman Bradley Warner.

The 23-year-old was the Essex Senior League’s top scorer for Basildon United last term with ?? goals, but has made the switch to the Bees’ rivals ahead of the new campaign.

Warner’s goalscoring exploits had attracted interest from the Ryman Premier League and fellow Ryman One North clubs but he chose Bowers, continuing his family’s connection with the club.

And Small says he is pleased at the current state of his team, with two more players also linking up with the side.

“I am chuffed to have signed Bradley,” said Small. “He has signed the forms and will be with us next season despite considerable interest from elsewhere.

“I watched Basildon United about 10 times last season and he was always the best player on the pitch, and was equally impressive against Bowers.

“He is direct and ruthless and can play in wide positions or as a striker. It is easy to forget he was playing for Thurrock, one of the best teams in the Ryman One North, before moving to Basildon so he is capable at this level.

“The family has deep ties with the club. His grandad Bert Warner is the gateman and his sons John and Steve won the Essex Senior League in the 1998/99 season. His cousin even coaches the kids at the club so they are ingrained in the club and I am delighted to have him.

Warner is joined by Brentwood Town captain Martyn Stokes, who leaves the club after eight years having come through their youth system, and former East Thurrock man Marc Gorbell, who was coming through at Bowers in Small’s playing days at the club.

And Small said, along with Ben Sartain and James Thomas, Bowers have built an impressive squad.

“It is a good ground and it is great to be back,” he said, with Bowers returning to pre-season training last night. “I have done my bit in bringing in these players and now the players have to show me they are ready to test themselves in this division.”