Striker's signing signals Kimble's intent

Witham Town have made former Colchester United and Braintree Town striker Jamie Guy their first summer signing as they prepare for life in the Ryman League's top flight.

The Ryman North play-off champions announced the arrival of the 26-year-old hot-shot at Spa Road on Wednesday as manager Garry Kimble sent out a clear signal of intent ahead of the 2014-15 Ryman Premier campaign.

Guy was at Ryman North rivals Heybridge Swifts last season, pictured, after joining them from Needham Market. After kicking off his career at Colchester, he worked his way through the youth system to break into the first team during the 2004-05 season and went on to make more than 50 appearances.

Released by the U's in 2010 after playing 43 times in the Championship, he bounced back to help Braintree win promotion to the Conference Premier but sustained a double leg break in the process. After battling back to fitness he went on to join Maldon & Tiptree before heading to the Marketmen.

Guy was said to be on the way back to his best by Swifts manager Jody Brown in April and Witham's assistant boss Brad King echoed those sentiments after the club's announcement.

King said: "Garry and I are really pleased to have signed Jamie as we believe can score goals at any level and has proven this. The only question mark was his fitness but we saw Jamie when we played Heybridge last season and is back to the fitness levels when he was pro in league football.

"He has worked hard in his own time as he wants to get back to his best. His ability is second to none and his experience will be vital in the Prem."

Image courtesy of the Essex Chronicle