JACK Simmons says he is ‘more than ready’ to make the difference for East Thurrock United next season.

The Wickford-based winger joined Rocks from Needham Market at the end of the season.

Travel commitments and Needham’s switch into the Southern Central League means Simmons had to alter his own plans.

And once Rocks boss John Coventry got in touch, he said it was a move he wanted to make.

“I have known John for quite a while and I was pleased when he got in touch,” said Simmons, 23. “My brother Will played for East Thurrock a few years back so I knew John and I can’t wait to get started now.

“I know Lee Burns and Danny Harris from my time at Dartford and it will be good to link up with the other boys as well.

“We know it is going to be a very tough league,” he added. “Some of the teams that have joined the league - Billericay from below and Torquay and Woking from above - make this an extremely competitive league, but it’s a long season.

“From what I have heard East Thurrock have had a tight knit squad in previous years and that goes a long way. It can win you a handful of points on its own.

“I know the level from when I played for Dartford and I know what the league is like. It will be hard but I am more than ready for the test. I want to make and score goals and am excited to get back now.”

Former Canvey winger Simmons, who is determined to enjoy a good cup run at the Future Fuel Stadium as well, bagged more than 15 assists at Needham Market last season.

However, the team failed to spark last term - ending up in 19th position after almost reaching the play-offs the previous campaign.

“The first year we had a very strong team and we were unlucky not to win the league,” said Simmons. “Going into March we were top of the (former) Ryman Premier League but we faded and we finished outside the play-offs on goal difference. We did win the Suffolk Cup though.

“Last year we lost a few of the team and captain Kem Izzet retired. That, along with a big injury crisis, meant we always struggled.

“The travelling was becoming more difficult. The first year was OK but it got harder. Now they have moved into a different league it was just not realistic for me.

“But I am so pleased to be at East Thurrock and I am excited for pre-season now and getting back to business.”

Simmons joins Harris, Jack Giddens, Ashley Miller, Tom Stephen, Harry Lee and Tom Derry as the club’s new recruits.