BILLERICAY Town boss Harry Wheeler is overjoyed after fighting off competition to sign Jordan Parkes.

The midfielder has made the move to the AGP Arena after seeing a successful spell as captain of Hemel Hempstead Town come to an end.

And Wheeler admits he has attempted to sign the midfielder on numerous occasions.

“Jordan is a massive signing for us,” said Wheeler.

“I have tried to sign him at every club I have been at.

“When I was at St Albans City I tried to get him and I have also attempted to sign him a couple of times at Billericay.

“He went back to Hemel for a second spell in 2016 because he felt like he had unfinished business and wanted to break the club’s goalscoring record.

“Jordan did that last season, but a new management team has gone there and he left.

“It was the right time for him to come here and I’m delighted that we have been able to persuade him to join us because there were a lot of clubs who wanted to sign him."

Parkes, who came through the ranks at Premier League side Watford, was named in the National League South team of the year - alongside ex-Billericay full-back Joe Kizzi - after enjoying an eye-catching season at Hemel.

But Parkes left Vauxhall Road shortly after former Concord Rangers player-manager Sammy Moore was appointed as the Tudors' new boss last month.

Parkes' departure resulted in numerous clubs battling it out to acquire his services.

And the 29-year-old, who is the Tudors' record goalscorer, is pleased to have committed his future to Billericay.

Parkes said: "Since the decision had been made that it was time for me to move on from Hemel, I had numerous conversations with various managers.

"Having spoken with Harry and knowing how Billericay play, I felt that their style of play would suit my attributes.

"I’ll be looking to continue my goalscoring form from midfield and I have scored some speculative goals and free-kicks in my time at Hemel.

"I’m hoping that the Billericay fans will enjoy my performances and commitment as much as the Hemel fans did and I will ensure that I give everything on and off the pitch to make this season as successful as possible.”

Parkes' move to the AGP Arena came just 24 hours after it was announced that Jake Howells, who skippered Billericay on numerous occasions last term, had moved in the opposite direction and joined hometown club Hemel.