MICHAEL Finneran could not hide his joy after completing a move to boyhood club Canvey Island.

The central defender has agreed to join the Gulls from Isthmian North rivals Grays Athletic.

And Finneran admitted playing for Canvey will be a dream come true.

Finneran said: “It’s been a long time coming!

“I was always hoping that this would happen one day but wasn’t sure when.

“I feel the time is right and it will make me so proud to play for the club I supported as a boy.

“Hopefully that pride will come across in my performances.”

The 25-year-old played for the Gulls’ youth and reserve teams before departing.

Having cut his teeth in the Essex Senior League, Finneran went onto captain Romford in the Isthmian North before joining Grays in February 2018.

But the defender is now looking forward to representing the club he supported as a child.

Sammy Knott and Albert Levett have also joined Mark Bentley’s Canvey.

Knott, the son of former Gull Steve Knott, was born on Canvey and came through the club’s successful academy.

And Knott admitted he was delighted to sign terms with the Isthmian North side.

“I’m buzzing to have joined and can’t wait to get started,” said Knott.

“Out of all the phone calls I’ve received over the summer, Mark Bentley’s was the one that I was hoping for.

“I know that me playing for Canvey Island will have made some of my friends and family happy and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The 23-year-old - who is comfortable on the wing or at full-back and last featured for Waltham Abbey - counts Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United among his former clubs.

Levett will enjoy a third spell with the Gulls after making the move from Brentwood Town.

The central midfielder, 25, scored seven times last term and confirmed that Canvey boss Bentley persuaded him to return to the club.

Levett said: “After speaking with the gaffer it was clear that he is looking for players that want to play for the club.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for the Gulls and will definitely give my all for the cause.

“The signings the gaffer has been making shows the ambition he has for the season and I’m excited to get going.”