James, who is 22, previously played for Heybridge Swifts coming through their reserve and development side before being involved with the first-team on a few occasions.

A spell travelling then saw him return this season playing for Cornard United and FC Clacton.

Regent boss Tim Rothery told his club`s website: “I spoke to Clacton boss Tom and asked him if we could speak with Bradley which I then did and Bradley is really keen to take the opportunity that’s being offered to him at Regent.

“The thing that impressed me when watching him was his distribution of both feet and again he’s at a great age for Pip Boyland and I to see what we can develop him in too, he’s really keen and determined to make the best of this move and it will be interesting to see how he settles at the club and the level and I think he’s another really positive addition to the squad.”

After spending the last few months on loan last season from Needham Market, James Bradbrook (pictured) has joined Brightlingsea permanently to become Regent’s number one.

Rothery added: “James was excellent for us last season when he came in and having worked with him at Needham I knew he’d bring a calmness and steadying influence, despite still being a young age especially in goalkeeping terms.

“He’s a really popular figure in the changing room and as soon as I knew he was going to be available from Needham I wanted to sign him.

“I think for James now there’s an opportunity that he’s not had before in senior football to establish himself as the number 1 at a club and I honestly believe he can and will do that with Brightlingsea Regent.

“He’s had a great schooling at Needham, under for me the best goalkeeper coach there is in Nathan Munson and he’s also hungry and ambitious after being loaned out or the back up to now cement his place at this club and this level of football.

“He’s about to celebrate his 21st birthday and it’s another player who we’ve signed this pre-season who I feel has a really bright future”.