GREAT Wakering Rovers first team coach Craig Shipman is excited by the prospect of working with Ollie Sotoyinbo for a second time.

Sotoyinbo has joined Wakering from Isthmian North rivals Hullbridge Sports.

Shipman was a member of Hullbridge’s backroom staff for a brief spell during the summer and his influence was a key reason for Sotoyinbo choosing to make the move to Burroughs Park.

“I am really pleased that we have got him on board and it’s good to have someone like Ollie coming in at the back end of the season,” said Shipman.

“We are looking to get into the play-offs and having an extra body in the squad could prove to be priceless.

“I worked with him briefly at Hullbridge and he said he liked the training sessions I put on, so he wanted to come to Wakering.

“It’s nice to hear that a player enjoyed working with you and is keen to follow you to another club.”

Sotoyinbo played an integral role as Hullbridge clinched the Essex Senior League title last term.

The midfielder scored 18 goals in all competitions, including two as Sports’s final day win over Stanway Rovers secured the crown and a place in the fourth tier of non-league football for the first time in the club’s history.

But, after making 27 appearances in all competitions this term, Sotoyinbo decided to end his productive spell at the Ryan’s Heating Stadium and seek pastures new.

Sotoyinbo attracted interest from numerous clubs due to his goalscoring ability from midfield, but Wakering proved to be his preferred destination.

And Shipman believes Sotoyinbo will develop his game at Burroughs Park.

“He is a really good talent and I worked with him in the summer,” added former Brentwood Town boss Shipman.

“Ollie wanted to come work with me again after leaving Hullbridge.

“He is a good boy and wants to push on in his career.

“I told him he will not get straight into our team because there is competition for places in his position.

“But he told me that’s what he wants because he wants to push himself and improve as a player.”

Sotoyinbo made his debut as a substitute in Wakering’s derby win at Canvey Island, but it did not come in ideal circumstances.

“He got a couple of minutes at the end of the win at Canvey,” admitted Shipman.

“We put him on because there were a few players on the pitch with injuries.”