Stanway Rovers manager Kem Izzet has backed new striker Jamie Guy to have a positive effect at the club, after being reunited with his former Colchester United team-mate.

The duo played alongside each other for the U’s between 2004 and 2010 and were part of the squad promoted to the second tier under Phil Parkinson.

Izzet was appointed Stanway boss last month – his first managerial position – and wants the much-travelled Guy, who has played for 19 clubs during a 13-year career, to spearhead his attack in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

“A player like Jamie will be vital for our young centre-forwards to learn off – his huge football experience will be invaluable,” said Izzet.

“He will be a focal point on and off the pitch. He is strong, doesn’t lack pace, although he is not as quick as he maybe once was, and he scores goals.

“Jamie is the right fit for the club, there might be some players out there that aren’t the right fit, but he has scored goals at this level and higher and I happy he has come to the club.”

Barking-born Guy (29) played for VCD Athletic in Isthmian North last season, but has also had spells with the likes of Heybridge Swifts, Witham Town, Needham Market, Maldon & Tiptree and Braintree Town.

He began his career at Colchester, scoring all three of his U’s goals during the Championship campaign of 2006-07.

Izzet wants to give youth a chance, after taking over the hotseat at the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division club, but insisted youngsters would not be thrown into the first team willy-nilly.

“We have got a decent under-21 squad of players who will work side by side with the first-team and they will get their opportunity we think they are ready.”

Meanwhile, new Braintree boss Brad Quinton has continued his squad building with the completion of formalities with four more players.

Joining the club are Samir Bihmoutine, Scott Shulton, George Craddock and Mark Okoye.

Quinton was appointed recently following the departure of Hakan Hayrettin from Iron at the end of the season.