Canvey have beaten a host of clubs in the race to sign free-scoring midfielder, Kris Newby.

Gulls manager John Batch said he was delighted to have brought in a player he has admired for years.

Newby, 23, scored 28 goals in all competitions last season as he helped fire East Thurrock to the Ryman One North title.

He chalked up his 21 league and seven cup goals while playing on the wing, and finished as Echosport’s Golden Boot winner.

His energetic performances down the Rocks’ right flank caught the eye of a clutch of clubs, but he agreed a deal to join the Gulls over the weekend.

Batch said: “I have seen Kris on a number of occasions over the past three years, and he has always impressed me.

“What is especially good about him is his versatility. When I first saw him he was playing at right back.

“But he is very dangerous in wide positions, he can play in the hole behind the strikers, or he can play up front.

“And that will give us lots of options for the coming season.

“There was interest in him from other clubs, but he sat down with us and he was keen to come and join us.”

Rocks boss John Coventry said he had released Newby for non-footballing reasons, but that he wished him well at his new club.

He said: “Kris has made an excellent contribution for us over the past three years and his goals were very important to us last season.

“But now it is time for us to look forward to next year and making sure we are safe in the Ryman Premier.”

Also leaving Rocks is the influential Max Cornhill. He scored 17 goals from centre midfield last season, and has been snapped up by Blue Square Bet South side, Chelmsford City.

Rocks have moved to replace Cornhill by bringing in Greg Cohen. He missed last season while travelling, but played the season before with Canvey, and the one before that in a cup-winning Tilbury side.