DAVID Knight has backed Bowers & Pitsea to return to form after seeing his second spell with the club come to an end last week.

Knight’s departure was confirmed by the Isthmian Premier League outfit eight days ago and the striker has since joined Tilbury.

But, having finished last term as the Isthmian North top goalscorer and clinched the title, Knight admits he has left the Len Salmon Stadium having created some fond memories.

“I had really good times at Bowers,” said Knight, who scored a debut hat-trick in Tilbury’s 5-0 win over Histon at the weekend.

“It was a hard decision for me to leave but I wanted to play and I wasn’t getting the minutes I wanted on the pitch at Bowers.

“There is a great bunch of lads at the club and all of the management staff are good people as well.

“It’s a good club moving in the right direction and hopefully they can get out of the rut they are in when it comes to the league campaign.

“Hopefully they will stay in the division because it’s a good club with good people and I want them to do well.”

Knight admits his switch to Tilbury came to fruition after telling John Easterford, a former team-mate at Bowers, that he was leaving the Len Salmon Stadium.

The frontman is pleased to be alongside some familiar faces and looking forward to working under the Dockers’ ex-Basildon United chief Marc Harrison.

“My time at Bowers came to an end after a good few seasons,” added Knight.

“I spoke to John Easterford about me leaving and he told the manager but I didn’t want to rush into anything.

“After receiving a few offers, I decided that Tilbury was the right fit for me and it’s a club going in the right direction.

“Marc and Liam Wallace did well at Basildon United and they then got the job at Tilbury last year.

“They did well at Basildon and Tilbury is a big club, so I’m confident they will enjoy success here.

“That means I will enjoy success if they do and I’m looking forward to working under them.”

Meanwhile, Bowers booked their place in the fourth round of the Essex Senior Cup by recording a 2-0 victory over Isthmian Premier League rivals Brightlingsea Regent.

After a goalless first half, Brad Warner broke the deadlock three minutes into the second period.

And substitute Dan Trendall ensured there would be no way back for Brightlingsea, who are managed by former East Thurrock United first team coach Kem Izzet, as he notched his first goal following a summer move to Bowers.