Well-known non-league striker John Sands cannot wait to prove himself at Conference level with Chelmsford City.

The former Bury Town hotshot made a move to the Vanarama Conference South side last week after parting company with Ryman Premier Division side Canvey Island, by mutual consent.

The fearsome striker, who made his name at Ryman level with Bury, scoring 59 goals in 105 appearances for the Blues, now cannot wait to test himself at the highest level he has played at.

“I can’t wait to get going and prove myself,” declared the striker, who made his first appearance in a Clarets shirt on Monday evening as the Essex side lost to Wealdstone 2-0.

“This’ll be the highest level I’ve played at. Obviously I’ve nearly gone higher before, but I’m glad I’ve been given this chance.

“Chelmsford are a big club, I’m going to relish the opportunity, and give it my best shot.

“I’ve nearly gone higher before, and you never know what this might lead to.”

Sands scored 24 goals in 47 games for underachieving Canvey, with 11 of those goals coming this season, despite struggling with a double hernia injury that the frontman is debating having an operation on.

“I have got an operation for December 18, but I’m going to see how it goes, I might try and wait until the end of the season,” declared 27-year-old Sands, who admitted that he was approached by more than 20 Ryman and Conference South clubs after leaving Canvey.

“It’s pretty painful and holding me back a little, I’m probably about 70%, but I can get through it.

“I went to see the doctors and they think I could’ve had it (the hernia) for three years.

“Whether I take the operation now or in the summer, I know that when I’m back fully-fit and 100% I’m going to be like a cheetah roaring to go.”

If Sands is to take the December operation option, he is likely to be on the sidelines recovering for a period of up to eight weeks.

He continued: “I’ve got some big decisions to make, but I know that at some point I’ll be 100% again and firing on all cylinders.”

This afternoon, Sands will look to help fire the Clarets to a home success over fellow mid-table side Bath City in league action.

Mark Hawkes’ 14th-placed men could move up to eighth with a victory.