RICKY Modeste has backed Billericay Town to thrive under expectation in the new Isthmian Premier League season.

The 29-year-old winger joined from Dover Athletic last month, amid interest from other clubs higher up the pyramid.

And he says he is excited at the challenge, with manager Glenn Tamplin promising promotion in the 2017/2018 campaign.

“I am really excited,” he said.

“No matter what team you are at, you want to succeed. I have always played at a team that fights for promotion.

“Glenn has given us everything we need to succeed in this league. There is a lot of attention around the club and we just can’t wait to get going.

“There are a lot of doubters but it shows confidence in the team. He believes in us and we thrive off that.”

Modeste, who lives in Corringham, admits he is hugely impressed with the current renovations at Town’s ground.

And he also said he was looking forward to linking up with a couple of old team-mates.

“I had been at Dover for five years and felt like a change,” he said.

“I spoke to a few people but hadn’t sorted anything out when I left.

“Then I got a call about Billericay. I knew (Billy) Bricknell and Swainey (Rob Swaine) from when I was 16.

“Bricknell said how good it was and how much was going on and Glenn impressed me when I spoke with him.

“I felt he had good intentions.

“It is a lower level than I have played at but it is a new challenge so it was a no-brainer for me.

“It (the ongoing renovations at the AGP Arena) is unreal,” he added.

“I haven’t been to Billericay since they were in the (former) Conference South and it looks great.

“I am seriously impressed and with additions such as a restaurant and gym it will blow any other ground in this league out of the water.”

Modeste is an out-and-out winger, but says there is much more to his game than his speed.

“I play on the wing, am very quick and am a creative player,” he said.

“But I do a lot of defensive work as well. I am a team player and that is important. There is no point providing loads of goals and assists if you don’t do the other side of the game.

“I like to get stuck in so need to make sure I keep my yellow card count down.

“But I just want to start playing now.”