EVERGREEN midfielder Glenn Poole says he feels “as fit as ever” after swapping Billericay Town for Canvey Island.

The 34-year-old signed for the Gulls on Monday evening, ending a three-and-a-half year stint with Billericay as he searched for a new challenge in the twilight of his career.

And Poole plumped for Canvey – after receiving half a dozen offers from clubs in the Ryman Premier League and Ryman One North following a stellar season last year.

Poole swept the board at the Billericay awards ceremony, picking up players’, supporters’ and manager’s player of the year after making 58 appearances in total.

And he says he has plenty to offer his new club, having followed duo Richard Halle and Steve Sheehan out of New Lodge to the Prospects Stadium.

“It is an exciting move for me,” saidPoole. “I have known Danny (Heale-manager) for more than 20 years as we were both together at Tottenham in our youth and we have always stayed in contact.

“I know Danny thinks highly of me as a footballer and when he heard I had left Billericay he got in touch and asked if I was interested. And I was – this is a good club that has enjoyed a lot of success in the past and it has the potential to be great once again.”

Poole came up against Canvey in his Grays Athletic days, as both battled it out in the Conference National. A decade on, the two are Ryman Premier League clubs, but Poole has ambitions to take Canvey into the National League South.

“We always had good battles with Canvey,” reminisced Poole. “We had big crowds watching us and I don’t see any reason why we can’t push on again.

“I had offers from a number of clubs, including East Thurrock United, but Canvey was the one that jumped out at me. I didn’t want to rush into anything but am sure this is a good move for me.

“I didn’t want to drop down as I still believe I am capable at this level and had something to offer.”

Canvey only survived relegation on the final day of last season, after Danny Heale’s men had a campaign to forget. But Poole, along with Halle, Sheehan and goalkeeper Jake Larkins, is the fourth name to sign up already for next year.

Poole’s decision is likely to raise a few eyebrows at New Lodge, less than two weeks after leaving Billericay. And Poole says he hopes there are no bad feelings with the club, after his efforts in recent seasons.

“It might ruffle a few feathers,” he said. “But I gave a lot to Billericay and I hope that is not forgotten.

“I know what I have done there and I will take any comments as back-handed compliments. I have had some nice messages from Billericay fans and I appreciate that.”

Poole said he also received several coaching offers. He currently runs his own soccer school throughout the year and says he will give any potential coaching offers more thought next summer.

“It is something I want to do,” he said. “I will be 36 during the course of the 2016/17 season and that might be a stretch. I feel good at the moment and while that is the case I want to continue.

“Canvey have a young squad and I would be happy to offer my experience to them, although I am still learning myself. Enthusiasm and nous are important as is quality and I can’t wait to get started.”