Three new players have agreed to join the Shrimpers for their first-ever season in the Essex Senior League – the club will officially become members at the league’s annual general meeting on June 19.

Defender Max Long will sign from Wivenhoe, while midfielder James Letts will bring Step 5 experience from Clacton. In addition, winger Charlie Lindoe is rejoining the Shrimpers from Cornard.

Matt said: “Max is a player I've had on the radar since his Brantham days - him and Alfie (Eldridge) were part of Craig (Clarke’s) successful Imps side. We tried to get him pre-season last year but he chose to stay at Wivenhoe.

“He has so much potential, I firmly believe he will establish himself at Step 5 with us this season. Harwich fans will remember his impressive free kick for Wivenhoe at the start of the season. He's another player that fits the mould, a young lad with good minutes behind him at Step 6, he's ready to kick on in the Essex Senior League.”

On Letts, he added: “We have been tracking James' progress for the past few months with one eye on going up. We felt his qualities would improve us massively at Step 5 if we achieved promotion.

“For FC Clacton, Lettsy was one of their standout players. He possesses loads of attributes that will bolster our midfield options. He's a player I've known about for a few years, having seen him at Needham and Clacton. He's a player I think the Shrimpers fans will love.”

Lindoe is another who has played at Step 5, having played in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division for Cornard last season. He initially played for Harwich during the curtailed 2020/21 season.

“We’re pleased to have got Charlie over the line,” said Matt. “It was a no-brainer to bring him in once we knew he was available. His experience in Step 5 that he will bring to our front line will be invaluable and his left foot will undoubtedly be a real weapon for us.

“Assists and adding goals to his game will help us reach our targets this season.”

Several of last year’s promotion-winning squad have also committed for the 2025/26 campaign.

They include supporters’ player of the year Brad Cook, Alfie Canning, Liam White, Luke Mayhew, Luke Spurling, Alfie Eldridge, Tyler Sullivan, Jack Wood, Reece Harte and last season’s top scorer Joe Knight.

However, one player who will be leaving the Royal Oak is Danny Garrad.

Meanwhile, there has also been an addition to the coaching staff with goalkeeping coach John Watkins, previously at Whitton, coming on board.

Pre-season training is about to get under way with the first friendly taking place on July 5 when FC Clacton visit the Oak for the annual Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup match.

The first league game of the season is expected to be staged on July 26.