HULLBRIDGE Sports boss Darren Manning believes summer signing Jamie Salmon’s experience will prove invaluable in the forthcoming campaign.

Salmon has made the move following an impressive spell on the books of Catholic United.

And Manning feels the former Bowers & Pitsea midfielder will help Hullbridge to adjust to life in the Isthmian North.

“We wanted to keep the squad together and add a bit of experience,” said Manning, who guided Sports to the Essex Senior League title in his first full season in charge.

“Jamie has experience at this level and he has been great since coming in.

“He made the drop down to Catholic last season because he had just become a dad, so he wanted to concentrate more on being a dad than life on the football pitch.

“But he is now ready to make the step back up to the Isthmian North and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Salmon, who began last term with Great Wakering Rovers before departing for Catholic, was on target as Hullbridge recorded a 5-1 win over Enfield in their last pre-season friendly.

Joe Wright, Ollie Sotoyinbo and Luke Hornsley were also on target as Sports took control of the game through an own goal inside the first minute.

And, although he was pleased to see his side notch five goals in their first outing at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium since clinching silverware on the final day of last season, Manning felt his side could have recorded an even more comfortable victory.

“Jamie has got two goals in his last two games and the goal against Enfield was special,” added Manning.

“Ollie has six goals in six games in pre-season, so he has been really good, and it’s nice to see all of the forwards scoring goals.

“But I was a little disappointed that we didn’t take more chances because we can’t afford to pass up many opportunities in the Isthmian North.

“We created plenty of chances, which is obviously a positive, but we need to take more of them when it comes to the season getting underway.

“Overall, though, I was really pleased with our attacking play and we played good football.

“It was also great to be back at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium under the lights.”