JAI Reason feels it was a ‘no brainer’ for him to join Billericay Town.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who was with Dover last season, has dropped down to National League South to join Jamie O’Hara’s side.

But Reason is certain he has made the right decision.

“Billericay are a sleeping giant and I think they’re ready to kick on with a young and enthusiastic manager in place,” said Reason.

“He told me the plans going forward and what he wants to bring to Billericay.

“It was the same way I like to play football so it was a no brainer in the end really.

“Of course it was hard to leave Dover and the manager there, Andy Hessenthaler, has been brilliant for my career.

“I don’t have a bad word to say about him.

“But with most of the clubs going part time in that league now it was important for me to be closer to my family if I am going part time. I think it’s the right move but we’ll see come May.”

Reason, who is based in Benfleet, had been with Dover since 2018 and helped the Kent club beat Southend United in the FA Cup last season.

However, the midfielder - who has previously played for Cambridge United and Eastleigh - is now targeting success with Billericay.

And he feels Town should at least make the play-offs next season.

“I think it should be the play-offs minimum for us,” said Reason.

“We have a brand new pitch here and with the players we already have, along with the ones the manager wants to bring in it will disappointing if we don’t at least make the play-offs.”

O’Hara has been in charge of Billericay since the end of 2019 but Reason is also expecting some stick to be flying his way.

“Unfortunately the manager was with Tottenham and I’m a West Ham fan so there’s bound to be some banter flying there,” laughed Reason.

“But he’s enthusiastic and wants to do things the right way so I’m fully behind him.”