RICKIE Hayles is looking forward to re-uniting with his cousin and former manager at Billericay Town.

The experienced defender linked up with Town yesterday, joining from fellow National League South side Dulwich Hamlet.

He will play under former manager Harry Wheeler at Billericay and alongside his cousin Ricky Modeste.

And he is targeting another good year, having won promotion via the play-offs last term.

“I previously played under Harry at Welling and we had a conversation and decided to reunite,” said Hayles, who formerly played for East Thurrock.

“Ricky is my cousin and may have played a part in me coming. I know quite a few of the players. I know Sam Deering and Adam Cunnington and a few of the former players as well.

“I am here to make a difference,” he added. “I am a leader and experienced. I know how to win promotion and I have some good banter. There is a time for fun but also a time to stay focused. I will rally everyone when the chips are down.

“I am coming towards the end path of my career and I want to get more wins than losses. This is a group on the up.”

Hayles also had kind words for Dulwich following his departure.

“Dulwich is a great club and has a brilliant fanbase,” he said. “We had a tough time last year off the pitch but that trouble united us even more. It helped us and I am not leaving Dulwich because I don’t want to be there.

“At the moment I cant see any non-league club touching Dulwich’s fans but Billericay have a strong following and I want to win their hearts.”