Defender delighted to be back

Hornchurch start pre-season training tomorrow (Saturday) ahead of their new challenge in Conference South.

But Urchins defender Reiss Noel is not looking forward to the prospect.

He said: “Ask any of the boys, I’m a moaner. I hate running!

“It’s got to be done, though, and I’ve been doing a little bit to keep ticking over.”

Noel agreed to return to Bridge Avenue after helping Jimmy McFarlane’s men win their Ryman Premier Division play-off final against Lowestoft.

The cultured centre-back was nursed through the closing weeks of the campaign due to a knee injury, but has declared himself fully fit for 2012/13.

He added: “The knee is all good now. I got the go-ahead from the specialist to play against Lowestoft and I’ve had no problems since that game.

“I always wanted to come back, the big thing for me was the other boys coming back. We’ve got a good bunch of guys here.

“I had a few calls, but I wasn’t really interested in playing anywhere else.”

The club also officially announced the return of captain Elliot Styles late last week and a new signing in former Dartford man Paul Goodacre.

And Noel believes Goodacre should fit in well, adding: “I played against him when I was at Woking and he’s decent.

“He’s commanding, he spoke a lot and is decent on the ball. It looks like it should work.”

Martin Tuohy’s return has also been confirmed, following his 31-goal haul last term and Noel believes Urchins can more than hold their own at the higher level.

Fixtures are due to be released on Monday and Noel said: “We proved we can play against better teams last season. Farnborough are not a bad side, but we dominated them in both games, especially on a better pitch at their place.

“They gave us more time to play our football. I think we should do ok.”