GRAYS Athletic striker Luke Hornsley admits manager Jamie Stuart played a huge part in bringing him to the club from the Essex Senior League.

The 29-year-old striker had already scored 16 goals for Hullbridge Sports this season when Stuart called him and declared his interest in bringing him to the Ryman Premier League outfit.

The dual-registration move went through quickly and Hornsley has wasted no time in endearing himself to the home fans, scoring a terrific solo goal on his debut in the 1-1 draw against Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

And Hornsley said it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down, having hit the back of the net 67 times in the past two-and-a-bit years for the Essex Senior League club.

“I had a bit of interest elsewhere but no club had contacted me directly,” he said. “Jamie spoke to me and that made a big difference as the others didn’t directly get in touch. That made a big difference.

“The move went through pretty quickly after Hullbridge accepted the seven-day request so I didn’t have to wait long.

“I was a bit nervous making the jump but I felt comfortable and not out of place among the players.

“Grays have such history and although they are struggling it’s a big opportunity. Jamie told me he wanted a few older heads and I am enjoying so far. Jamie is so passionate and I love that.”

Hornsley took centre-stage after an hour on Saturday. With 55 minutes played and Grays, who were in the relegation zone, 1-0 down the striker picked up the ball down the right following a miss-hit clearance.

He took a touch, flicked the ball over the head of the last defender and hit left-footed into the corner.

And he said it was a hugely enjoyable moment.

“Saturday was always going to be interesting in terms of the standard and the fitness did start to tell towards the end," he said.

“I was buzzing to get that goal and I got a bit lucky with the miss-kick but the rest was pretty good.

“Let’s hope it’s the first of many.”