LEWIS Taaffe says he plans to help Concord Rangers to return to the top half of the National League South after returning to the club yesterday.

The winger re-joined having departed from the Beach Boys at the end of the 2015/16 season, moving to Hemel Hempstead Town and then Billericay Town.

But, after his release from the Ryman Premier League club, he is now back at the Aspect Arena.

And the 25-year-old, who joined on the same day as fellow winger Khale Da Costa, is aiming high.

“I came back as I had so many good times when I was here before,” said Taaffe.

“I feel I can get Concord back to where they should be, which is towards the top half of the division, and not fighting down the bottom.

“Personally I feel, with the right recruitment, we can have a much stronger season and should be looking to win the Essex Senior Cup again.”

Taaffe admitted he was slightly bemused by his departure from big-spending Billericay, having moved to New Lodge last November.

But he departs with good wishes, and there is one player in particular he is looking forward to linking up with once again at the Beach Boys.

“Leaving Billericay was a weird one,” he admitted.

“I played really well for three months and then Glenn Tamplin took over and didn’t give me a chance after being one of the team’s most consistent players.

“Every manager has their favourites and I obviously wasn’t one of his.

“But I met so many great people at the club and I do wish them the very best for next season.

“I am looking forward to linking up with Steve Cawley again,” he added. “I’ll be honest, I missed Steve last season and we do link up really well.

“I am sure we can both have a good season and score plenty of goals.

“I may be 25, but I play like an 18-year-old and am as hungry as ever to play football and score goals.”

And Concord manager Adam Flanagan said he felt he needed to strengthen in wide positions, as he looks to build on an 18th place finish last season.

“With Dion Sembie-Ferris going back to Colchester and Lyle Della-Verde initially trying to find full-time football we were left with no wide players.

“Taaffe can play out wide and up top and we know what we will get from him.

“While Khale comes to us from Hendon with a lot of promise and can play on either flank.

“They are two very good signings.

“I want to have a bigger squad this season and have more competition for places throughout the team,” added the Beach Boys chief.

“I hope to announce more signings in pre-season.”

>Concord have announced five pre-season friendlies to date, including a test against Billericay Town.

They play Colchester United’s under-21 team at the U’s training ground on Saturday, July 8, before hosting Millwall’s under-23s the following weekend.

A trip to Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels is on Tuesday, July 18 while Margate travel to the Aspect Arena on Saturday, July 22.

Taaffe will be hoping to line-up opposite his former club Billericay on Saturday, July 29.