KRIS Newby believes Paul Shave’s experience will prove invaluable for Basildon United.

Shave joined the Bees last week and made his debut in the 3-3 draw with Histon on Saturday.

Newby moved quickly to sign Shave after Darren Phillips’ recent departure and Joe Turpin being sidelined with an injury.

And interim player-manager Newby feels the defender has a big role to play at his new club.

“Turps got injured against Grays Athletic on New Year’s Day and, although we thought it was a pulled hamstring, he has got a nasty knee injury,” said Newby.

“We will lose him for a couple of weeks or possibly longer and, with Darren Phillips leaving as well, I needed to bring in a defender.

“I always hated playing against Shavesy and he has that nasty side as well.

“He will be an asset to us defensively and, with his experience, he brings something else to the changing room.”

Basildon are back on home soil tonight, with Dereham Town making the trip to the Cousins Car Wash Stadium for an Isthmian North encounter.

The Bees are 17th in the standings, while Dereham are eight points better off in 11th spot.

And Newby believes Basildon can close the gap by emerging triumphant.

“The fans were pivotal as we came back from 3-1 down at Histon, so it will be great to be back on home soil,” added Newby.

“We are unbeaten in 2020 and we want to keep that run going.

“I think we can cause Dereham problems and it would be great to see us bag three points to climb the league table.”