BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery believes new goalkeeper Charlie Turner is ready to step up after joining the R's.

The 23-year-old has signed from Essex Senior League runners-up Stansted and replaces former shot-stopper James Bradbrook.

Turner won his league's coveted Golden Gloves award last season and was also named player-of-the-season at Stansted.

In addition to finishing second, he was also a pivotal figure as his club won two knockout cup competitions.

“Once we knew we were looking for a new keeper, (goalkeeping coach) John (Albon) and I discussed our options and Charlie was somebody that came to our attention," said Rothery.

"John had seen him in their cup final at the end of the season and we’d heard lots of positive things about him, as well as watching a lot of videos of his performances.

"He’s at a great age and, locality-wise, he fits very well.

"He’s very ambitious and keen to try and progress through the levels so this is a natural step up for him and one we feel he can make.

"With the help of our excellent goalkeeper coach John, I believe we can push his game on again."

Turner has previously played for both Haverhill Borough and Haverhill Rovers.

Bradbrook announced he was moving on at the end of last season, despite a highly-impressive first year with Isthmian League Regent.

An ever-present during last term's premier division campaign, he scooped two awards at the end-of-year presentation night.

In addition to being named young player-of-the-year, he also made the most appearances during the season – 54.

Within that tally, he kept a clean sheet 15 times.

Bradbrook has since signed for Thurlow Nunn League premier division side Stowmarket Town.

Meanwhile, Brightlingsea will start their defence of next season's Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup with a home against Alresford Colne Rangers.

The tie will be scheduled before the end of October.

Full draw: Round one (to be played by the end of August): Great Bentley v Wivenhoe Town, Little Oakley v FC Clacton, Stanway Rovers v Kelvedon Social.

Round two (to be played by the end of October): Witham Town v Heybridge Swifts, Stansted v Maldon and Tiptree, Stanway Rovers or Kelvedon Social v Little Oakley or FC Clacton, Halstead Town v Great Bentley or Wivenhoe Town, Harlow Town v Tiptree Heath, Brightlingsea Regent v Alresford Colne Rangers, Springfield v Saffron Walden Town, Burnham Ramblers v West Bergholt.