BASILDON United boss John Sussex is overjoyed after completing the signing of Tom Anderson.

The midfielder has made the switch from Isthmian North rivals Tilbury.

And, having worked with Anderson before, Sussex is certain that the latest arrival will excite the Bees fans.

“Tom is someone I have been chasing since I first took over as manager last season,” said Sussex.

“I’m really pleased to have got the deal over the line and I’m looking forward to working with him again, having also worked with him at Tilbury.

“He is a ball-playing midfielder and will work well with Harry Norman in the middle of the park.

“Tom has got great quality on the ball and we will be able to keep the ball better than last season with him in the side.

“If it weren’t for a couple of injuries during his career, he would be playing a lot higher in the football pyramid.”

And former Witham Town assistant manager Sussex believes he has now strengthened in all departments of his squad.

“There were three positions that I felt we really needed to strengthen and they were at the back, in midfield and up front,” added Sussex, who succeeded Neil Blackburn as boss in March.

“We’ve already brought Conor Mead back to the club to strengthen our defence, while Adam Vyse is an experienced striker at this level.

“So bringing in a midfielder was my next big target and Tom fits the bill perfectly.”

Along with Anderson, Basildon have also welcomed former Great Wakering Rovers goalkeeper Louis Hawes, Harry Doyle, Ernest Okah and Ayo Odukoya to the newly-named Cousins Car Wash Stadium.

And Sussex is pleased to have added some exciting young prospects to his options heading into the forthcoming campaign.

“We have some really good young players who have also joined us,” admitted Sussex.

“The combination of youth and experience is really exciting and I think we have found the right balance.

“There is some real quality in our squad and I’m very happy with how it is shaping up.

“But the real test will be when our pre-season friendlies get underway.”

Meanwhile, Basildon’s pre-season friendly against Bowers & Pitsea has been called off.

The Bees were due to visit the Len Salmon Stadium to face the Isthmian Premier League side on July 26, but the encounter will not go ahead.