KEVIN Coyle is delighted to be back at step four level – and says manager Mark Ashford is one of the main factors in his decision to join Witham Town.

The 31-year-old is set to put pen to paper at training on Tuesday night, after a short spell with Thurlow Nunn League outfit Harwich and Parkeston.

He will remain dual registered with the Shrimpers, who he joined after parting company with Coggeshall Town in early October.

But for now he is excited to be back in the Bostik League north division and eager to be involved when second-from-bottom Witham head to basement boys Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.

“I’m back at the level I want to be at,” said Coyle, who is also record appearance-maker at hometown club FC Clacton.

“I didn’t feel out of place at Coggeshall.

“I felt I coped well and really enjoyed my time there.

“Everyone was lovely but I just didn’t see eye to eye with the manager.

“That’s why I left and now I’m very happy to have joined Witham.

“I’ve been so impressed with Mark Ashford.

“We’ve only spoken on the phone so far but he sounds very clued up.

“He’s a UEFA A coach and reminds me of my brother (former Clacton boss David).

“He knows his stuff and is clearly very tactically aware and very strong in terms of his man-management skills.

“He’s been up front with me from the word go.

“He hasn’t tried to string me along and said from start ‘this is my budget. This is what I can offer you’.

“Mark spoke highly of me.

“He’d clearly done his homework and remembered me from watching games this season, which counts for a lot.”

Coyle, who turned down an approach from another Bostik League side, believes his new Witham side are in a “false position”.

He is confident they can start climbing the table soon – starting with three points against Soham.

“I’ve played against Witham four times this season, for Coggeshall,” he said.

“Each time, I could see they were getting better and better.

“They’re a well-drilled side.

“Silly errors are still costing them but they’ve played all the sides currently in the top ten.

“From what I’ve seen, they’re in a bit of a false position.”

Coyle also spoke highly of Harwich, who he has played for since leaving Coggeshall.

He made his last appearance, and scored a goal, in Friday’s 4-2 division one south victory against Brightlingsea Regent Reserves.

“It’s been great fun playing for Harwich,” said Coyle.

“I’ve really enjoyed it.

“They’ve got a good set of lads and I’ve got a good relationship with (manager) Kieron Shelley and (assistant) Mike Wallace.

“They’ve helped me and I’ve helped them. It’s been mutually beneficial.

“They’re good guys and they’re doing a great job there, in the club’s first season back at step six level.

“They don’t look out of place and I’ve agreed to remain dual registered, so I might be able to help them out again later in the season.”