JOAO Carlos has admitted that the affinity he shares with the fans of Grays Athletic was the main reason for returning to the club.

Carlos left the club for Essex rivals Concord Rangers in the summer, but has returned to Mill Field just a few months later.

The tricky winger signed for Concord on dual registration terms with Grays in March, but Carlos’ move to Thames Road was made permanent in the summer.

Carlos made 13 appearances since making his move to the Beach Boys permanent, and got on the scoresheet twice.

But Carlos left Concord in favour of a move back to Grays at the start of this month.

The 27-year-old admits that being a fans’ favourite during his previous spell with Grays was a big reason for his decision to return to the club.

“I’m delighted to be back with Grays. I know the club very well and the staff and fans know what they will get out of me,” said the Portuguese winger.

“The fans are always supportive and we have a close bond so who wouldn’t be happy with that?

“I am certainly pleased to be reunited with the fans.”

Carlos enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Ryman Premier side last time out.

Carlos, who has Football League experience having made a solitary appearance for Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two, joined Grays from Essex rivals Thurrock in 2011.

The winger quickly became a regular with Grays and made more than 200 appearances during five years with the club.

Carlos won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2012 and was influential in Grays winning silverware the following year.

The Portugal-born man was a mainstay in the side that were crowned champions of the Ryman North and Essex Senior Cup runners-up in 2013.

His success resulted in Concord signing Carlos on a dual registration deal, and the winger made eight appearances towards the back-end of last season.

Despite making the move permanent, Carlos was soon eager to move back to the relegation-threatened Grays.

Carlos confirmed that wanting to help Grays to safety in the Ryman Premier was a big reason for turning his back on Concord.

Carlos added: “I’m a determined winner and I’ll do everything I can to get us out of danger.

“Every game is a cup final right now, so we need to go into the game focused and give all we have got as a squad.

“The fans have always believed in me and the squad – even after a bad patch they are still there supporting the team.

“I’ve had ups and downs and they have always encouraged me and lifted me up.

“All I can do is play and give them the performances that they deserve.”

The winger confirms that he has many good memories of his time at the club.

But one match, in particular, stands out for the returning winger.

Carlos said: “I have plenty of memories from my time with Grays, but the latest one would be when Benno [Mark Bentley] scored and saved a penalty. Then I went on to score the winning goal. That was a game I can’t forget.”