VETERAN Thurrock midfielder Gary Howard has joined Ryman League Premier Division outfit Maldon Town on a non-contract basis.

The former Tilbury, Billericay Town and Great Wakering Rovers player has been sidelined through injury for much of the season, leading Thurrock manager Hakan Ramis Hayrettin to allow him to leave Ship Lane for the Wallace Binder Ground.

A Thurrock club statement confirmed the former captain and player/coach's departure.

"Thurrock Football Club can confirm that Gary Howard has decided to leave the club and join Maldon Town," said the statement.

"Gary has only just recovered from injury and would be the first to admit he is not as young as he used to be and could find it difficult to get back into the team.

"Gary came to us last season when we were in trouble and his experience certainly was of benefit to the club and the players around him."

While Howard has left the club, his registration as a Blue Square South Division player has been retained by Thurrock to enable the south Essex club to call on his services in an emergency.

"As Gary was a non-contract player we are able to retain his registration with the Conference and no doubt he would help us if the need ever arose," the club statement added.

"Thurrock would like to wish Gary all the best at Maldon Town."

Maldon manager Russell Tanner was delighted to secure Howard's services.

"I'm pleased to get a player of the calibre of Gary on board and he will bring experience into the side," said Tanner.

"He had a knee operation a little while back and is in and out of the Thurrock side and obviously needs to play matches."