STEVE Butterworth has bolstered his Great Wakering Rovers striking options by completing the signing of former Southend United trainee Dan Walker.

Walker has made the move to Burroughs Park after seeing his contract with Isthmian North rivals Heybridge Swifts cancelled by mutual consent earlier this week.

And Butterworth is pleased to have secured the frontman’s services.

The Wakering player-manager said: “We have been looking for a striker for the last few weeks.

“Brandon Diau started the season with us, but he is now in the National League North with Kidderminster Harriers, while Daniel Akindayini has returned to Cheshunt.

“Because he was not getting much game-time, Heybridge agreed to cancel Dan’s contract so he could get game-time elsewhere.

“They came to a mutual agreement and we have profited from that, which is great.”

Walker, who grabbed eight goals in all competitions for Heybridge last term and was also on target in their FA Cup extra preliminary round defeat at Grays Athletic, attracted interest from numerous clubs.

And Butterworth was overjoyed after beating rivals to Walker’s signature.

Butterworth added: “We had to fight off competition to get Dan to join us.

“We were competing with some big clubs and the fact Dan chose us over them shows how far Wakering has come.

“It means all the hard work is paying off and people are taking note of what we are doing.

“Dan watched us on Saturday as we beat Grays Athletic and he liked what he saw.

“We try to play football and do things the right way.

“Dan is hoping that he will get more game-time with us and we want to give him that, but he needs to earn that by scoring goals.”

Walker was unable to make his Wakering debut in last night’s Isthmian League Cup group stage clash with neighbours Canvey Island last night due to being cup-tied.

But Butterworth insists Walker will get his fair share of opportunities in the side.

“It’s the perfect time for Dan to come in,” admitted Butterworth.

“He can’t play in the Isthmian League Cup because he is cup-tied, but he can get involved in the Essex Senior Cup and we have a lot of games in the weeks to come.

“So he will get a number of chances to show us what he can do.”