MARTIN Tuohy is eager to finish one of the most frustrating seasons of his career on a high.

Tuohy joined Great Wakering Rovers from Canvey Island last week, with the striker making his first appearance since moving back to Burroughs Park for a second spell in the 1-1 draw with Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.

And the 34-year-old is keen to play a key role as Wakering, who are currently nine points clear of the Isthmian North relegation zone, look to fend off an immediate return to the Essex Senior League.

“It’s been one of the most frustrating seasons of my career,” said Tuohy.

“On a personal level, I have scored goals wherever I have been but it has not happened for me this season.

“We had really underachieved this season at Canvey even though there are some good players and, in Mark Bentley, a great manager there.

“But the club lost some big characters during the season and I don’t think they were ever replaced.

“There are some great players there, but some characters who were important in the dressing room left.

“I’m hoping to finish the season on a high with Wakering.

“My aim is to get a few goals and help the club to secure safety in the division.”

Tuohy swapped the Frost Hire Stadium for Burroughs Park after scoring 50 goals in 129 appearances over two spells with Canvey.

And the frontman admitted it was difficult for him to leave the Gulls.

“It was a hard decision for me to leave Canvey because I think a lot of the club and supporters,” added Tuohy.

“But how the season has gone has been disappointing.

“We got through to the play-off final last year and, after that, our aim was to get promoted this season.

“At the very least we were expecting to make the play-offs again.”

However, a return to Wakering has allowed Tuohy to link-up with long-time friend Steve Butterworth.

And Tuohy hopes he can help Butterworth, who is currently interim player-manager, to get the top job on a permanent basis.

“We have been good friends for a long time,” admitted Tuohy.

“We first met during my first spell with Wakering, which was about 12 years ago, and we have been mates ever since.

“When Steve got the job, he was pestering me to join and it started off as a bit of banter between mates.

“But then he was more serious, put in a seven-day notice and I agreed to join.

“There is possibly an opportunity to combine playing with coaching further down the line.

“Coaching is an avenue I want to eventually go down, but it’s only an option at the moment.

“I already knew quite a few of the players and management staff at Wakering and so I’m happy to help out.”