SAM Collins can see himself ending his career at Canvey Island after joining the Isthmian North club from Concord Rangers.

The 28-year-old from Canvey moved from one side of the island to the other last week.

After four years playing for the Beach Boys, he will be opening a new chapter in his career in the weeks ahead.

And he is excited to get going in the Isthmian North, the lowest tier he has ever graced.

“After leaving Concord there were two teams that came to mind,” he said. “I am a Canvey lad so that appealed and I have previously played at East Thurrock.

“I spoke to Healsy (Canvey boss Danny Heale) and not Covo (Rocks boss John Coventry) and decided to make this move.

“I know Joe Keith (Gulls assistant manager) and I know some of the lads there.

“Playing for the club was a lure, although it is lower than I have played before.

“But if it goes well then I can see me ending my career there.

“I want to get Canvey as near to the National League South as possible as it is a big club.”

Collins has endured an injury-hit few seasons. He recovered from a leg break on the opening day of the 2015/16 season, and played with a torn meniscus throughout much of last term.

He still played a part as Concord survived relegation, but said he was not required next term following a conversation with manager Adam Flanagan.

“Last year I wasn’t playing and that was hard,” he said. “It was the club’s decision, I will say the manager valued me at a price and I thought I was worth more.

“I wanted more playing time after the leg break but then tore my meniscus which I played through as I didn’t want to let the team down.

“But I am glad I did go back even though people say it’s a bad idea to. I enjoyed it.”

He will link up with former team-mates David Knight and Steve Sheehan at the Gulls and fancies their chances, albeit in a tough league.

“I played with Knighty at East Thurrock and he is guaranteed 20 goals in that league,” he said.

“But I have heard good things from other people about the club and those they are bringing in.

“The league is going to be tough,” he added. “It’s hard to get out of the league. Bowers look strong and have made an excellent signing in Tony Stokes, while Maldon & Tiptree and Hornchurch will also challenge.”

Canvey recently lost captain Ryan Blackman to Enfield Town, and Collins admits it is a role he would be interested in.

“I would be interested in leading a team,” he said. “But that is not my decision.”