Austin joins Regent from Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division Tendring neighbours FC Clacton.

Austin was FC Clacton's longest-serving first spell manager having been appointed in February 2018.

He guided FC Clacton to their highest finish in the last 15 years in 2018/19 when his side finished sixth in the table.

Austin will also bring his assistant manager Ryan Salter with him to the club.

Salter needs no introduction to anyone at Regent, having played 106 times for the club.

He was also an integral part of our promotion team in 2016/17 when he was head coach under then manager James Webster.

Chairman Terry Doherty told https://www.brightlingsearegentfc.com: "I would like to place on record our thanks to Kem and Jon for all their efforts at the club in very trying times.

"I am very excited by the appointment of Tom Austin and club legend Ryan Salter.

"We have been tracking their progress at FC Clacton for some time now and we have been impressed by what they have achieved. Although the lads are stepping up two levels, I am sure they will get to grips with it quite quickly.

"Salts knows the Regent inside out and Tom is a very driven and ambitious young manager who in some ways reminds me of our most successful manager James Webster.

"I know from talking to both the lads they are relishing the opportunity to manage the team and ingratiate themselves into the Regent family.

"I would also like to thank chairman Steve Andrews for allowing us to speak to Tom and Ryan as FC Clacton have helped pave the way for a bright future for both of them."

Meanwhile, Regent confirmed that defender Morisi Gelashvili has left for pastures new, as he has joined Isthmian North side Aveley.

Gelashvili can play as a full-back or in midfield. He gained experience in his homeland of Georgia before coming over to England and joining Stanway Rovers.

He signed for Regent in December 2018 from Isthmian North outfit Tilbury.

He moved to Regent`s league rivals East Thurrock United in May 2019 before returning in early November 2019.