JOHN Sussex has made his first two signings of the summer as Adam Vyse and Conor Mead have agreed to join Basildon United.

Sussex’s Bees staved off an immediate return to the Essex Senior League, with the club finishing 17th in the Isthmian North standings.

And Sussex, who replaced Neil Blackburn in the hotseat in March, made it clear upon his appointment that he was eager to make Basildon a regular fixture in the fourth tier of non-league football.

The Bees’ boss will be hoping that Vyse will provide goals following his addition to the squad.

Vyse has agreed to join Basildon following his release by Isthmian North rivals Canvey Island.

The frontman joined Canvey from neighbours Great Wakering Rovers in November 2018 and went onto score six goals in 23 appearances for the Gulls.

However, Vyse was deemed to be surplus to requirements by Canvey chief Mark Bentley and the former Southend United midfielder opted against keeping the striker at the Frost Hire Stadium.

And Sussex will be hoping to see Vyse, who also counts Bowers & Pitsea and Tilbury among his former clubs, return to fine form in front of goal.

Vyse boasts plenty of experience in the Isthmian North and will also provide leadership qualities having captained Tilbury on numerous occasions during his stint at Chadfields.

Sussex was keen to strengthen his attacking options after it was confirmed that teenager Callum Taylor, who impressed in front of goal in the second half of the campaign, will be involved for Grays Athletic in the forthcoming season.

Meanwhile, Mead has sealed a return to Basildon.

The right-back, who began last term with the Bees following their promotion from the Essex Senior League, has agreed terms with the Isthmian North club.

Mead left Basildon in favour of a move to Isthmian Premier League chasers Aveley midway through last season.

And the full-back made 13 appearances for the Millers, while he also recorded two goals and two assists.

However, Mead was unable to win promotion with Aveley as, having finished second in the standings, they suffered a 2-0 play-off semi-final defeat to Heybridge Swifts.

And Mead is set to be back in Basildon colours once again.

The Bees’ backline has been further strengthened with the news that Joe Turpin has committed his future to the club.

The defender joined from Tilbury last summer and produced a number of eye-catching displays.