BILLERICAY Town boss Harry Wheeler was pleased to fight off stiff competition to acquire the services of Ben Nunn.

The right-back will make the move to the AGP Arena after his contract with National League side Dagenham & Redbridge expires at the end of the month.

And Wheeler admitted that Nunn’s life away from the pitch was a major reason for the 29-year-old choosing to join Town.

“A lot of clubs from our division and the league above were wanting to sign Ben, so it’s great that he has chosen to come here,” said Wheeler.

“The fact that we have gone back to being part-time and training twice a week was a big reason for him joining us because he has a successful business that he runs.

“Our part-time schedule means that it is a bit more flexible for him and that has worked out well for us.

“Although he has a business away from the pitch, he will be fully focused on enjoying success with us on the pitch.”

Nunn has agreed terms with Billericay after enjoying a successful spell with a Dagenham side managed by former Southend United winger and boss Peter Taylor.

The full-back captained the Daggers as the club ensured National League safety last term.

And Wheeler is looking forward to working with Nunn.

“I felt we needed to strengthen at right-back and he is another leader that we have managed to bring to the club,” added Wheeler, who is enjoying a second stint in charge at the AGP Arena.

“We needed more leaders in the squad because I didn’t think there were many at the club at all when I came back in January.

“But Ben is in the same mould as the likes of Charlie Wassmer, Ronnie Henry, Alan Julian and Danny Waldren and I now have numerous players who have leadership qualities.”

Billericay now boast a number of hugely experienced defenders, including Henry - who is League Two side Stevenage’s record appearance holder - and former AFC Wimbledon full-back Callum Kennedy.

And Wheeler is pleased with his options at the back.

“I think Callum is the best left-back in our league and the division above,” admitted Wheeler.

“We have so many experienced defenders now and strengthening our backline was one of the most important targets for the summer.

“Clean sheets are massive and, as I have said before, goals win games but clean sheets win titles.”

Nunn joins Henry, Jordan Parkes and Josh Urquhart in switching to Town this summer.