The experienced 33-year-old returns to the Trawlerboys for an undisclosed fee from new league rivals Felixstowe & Walton United.

He originally signed for Felixstowe on loan from Stowmarket Town midway through the 2019/20 season.

He has previously played at a higher level for Lowestoft, Bury Town and Needham Market.

He suffered with injuries in 2019/20 but the Seasiders had seen enough to make him a more permanent signing in the summer of 2020.

Lowestoft boss Jamie Godbold told https://www.lowestofttownfc.co.uk: "It is a big coup.

"Sam obviously played for the club before, he lives locally, and we are really pleased to get the deal done.

"He was still under contract at Felixstowe but was keen to come here and play in a position we needed filling.

"We've been short of centre-backs with the retirement of Tanny and Harry Knights leaving, but Dylan Ruffles has played there in pre-season and he has performed really well.

"So now we have three players there - and that is fantastic.

"Sam is brilliant aerially in both boxes, having scored nine goals from defence last year which is a great return for a centre half.

"He is an experienced player at this level having played at this level and higher for a number of years.

"We suffered a lot of injuries at centre back last year, and we've been searching for the right player.

"We've had to be patient, but we've finally found one with really good quality and experience - so we're delighted".