PAUL Konchesky has backed Billericay Town to challenge for promotion to the top tier of non-league football in the forthcoming campaign.

The left-back enjoyed a nine-month spell at the Steel Team Stadium in 2017 and went onto the captain the side as they claimed the treble.

And Konchesky, who also had a brief stint on the books of East Thurrock United at the start of last season, believes Billericay are capable of enjoying more success in the upcoming National League South term.

“I don’t really know the league this year, but I know how Glenn works and what he wants from his team,” said Konchesky.

“If he gets what he wants then they will obviously have half a chance of promotion.

“It’s going to be tough and they will know that.

“You’re not guaranteed to win football matches and you need to do a lot of work.

“It is still quite early in pre-season, so they will hopefully get a bit sharper and get ready for the start of the season.”

Konchesky won the Isthmian Premier League title, along with the Essex Senior Cup and Isthmian League Cup, during his time at Billericay.

The ex-England international, who also counts the likes of West Ham United, Fulham and Liverpool among his former clubs, quickly became a fans’ favourite at the Steel Team Stadium.

And Konchesky returned to Billericay to feature in the All-Star XI put together by former TOWIE star Mark Wright as Town got their pre-season schedule underway on Sunday.

Although he played in an unfamiliar centre-half role alongside former West Ham team-mate James Collins, Konchesky insists he enjoyed returning to Billericay.

The 38-year-old added: “It was good to see familiar faces and get back out on the pitch, which is lovely.

“The stadium looks well and it’s a fantastic facility for the club.

“It was good to be involved in the game and I enjoyed it.

“We hadn’t all played together before because Mark just put a team together, but it was good to see some of the old boys I have played with during my career.

“It was nice to get out there and play 90 minutes.”