FORMER Thurrock captain Lewwis Spence has returned to the club in a big boost ahead of the 2017/18 Ryman Premier League campaign.

The 29-year-old left Ship Lane at the end of last season to join Ryman South outfit Greenwich Borough.

But, following Fleet's success in the Ryman North play-offs, and Greenwich's consequent failure in the Ryman South play-offs, he has returned to Essex.

And manager Mark Stimson said he couldn't be happier to welcome back the former Crystal Palace youth product.

"I am delighted to have Lewwis back," he said. "He was our captain and leader.

"Following our promotion to the Ryman Premier League, he will be a big help for us as we look to compete at that level."