JOE Ellul says his aim is to be a part of Braintree Town manager Brad Quinton's plans in the Vanarama National League this year .

The 29-year-old central defender made a departure from the club in January midway through the Iron's successful National League South promotion campaign as he finished the season at Bostik league side Maldon & Tiptree.

He said that it was with a heavy heart that he had made his exit after Christmas, but is now looking to reignite his Braintree career after returning to the Iron during pre-season.

Ellul played in Braintree's 2-0 pre-season win against Championship side Ipswich Town last weekend and their X-X XXX at AFC Sudbury in midweek and will be looking to continue pressing for a place when they host Cambridge United at Cressing Road on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Braintree also have pre-season outings at Dereham Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) and then at Coggeshall Town on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Ellul's return has come following the departure of his old central defensive partner Marc-Anthony Okoye this summer and he is keen to battle for a place in Quinton's back line when the Iron start life back in the top flight of non-league football next month.

He said : “I spoke to Brad a few weeks ago and he just said he wanted me to come over and to get involved.

“He wanted me to do pre-season and we’ll then discuss what happens after that.

“The initial plan is to sign here, which is what we’ve discussed, because this is the level I want to play at.

“It’s the level I feel I can play at and there are a good group of players together like there were last year.

“Brad’s brought in Michael Clark and Josh Hill is still here from last year and even though Marc Okoye has gone, it’s good to have quality centre backs here.

“That gives good competition in the team and you push each other on to be better players.

“Knowing the boys already does make a massive difference for me coming back in as I can just blend back in where I was before.

“I definitely feel I can come in and do a job in the Conference.

“It’s a good group of boys who can play at that next level.

“With the quality of players that we have here, everyone is going to have to push for their places and work hard.

“No-one can afford to slack off.

“If you do that, you won’t be in the team and it’s good that we’re all looking to push each other to the next level.

“I’m aiming to be back here, that’s what I want.

“We’ve had a discussion about me coming back and I hope that’s the way it is.

“It wasn’t to do with footballing reasons why I left before.

“It was just things to do with myself and where I was in life.

“I didn’t want to go deep down but it was for the best for myself and for the team.

“I didn’t leave under a cloud at all and it’s nice being back.

“Look at the quality of player who Brad has got in and it’s good that we’re all pushing each other in the right direction."