Luke Reeve – Credit: @NashyPhoto

Bowers & Pitsea defender Luke Reeve is looking forward to the Isthmian North Division campaign to get underway.

The former Southend United youth defender arrived at the Len Salmon Stadium in the summer and he says manager James Collins was a key influence in him arriving at the club.

“The move came about when I was recommended to James and he got in contact with me.

“He explained his plans for the season and aims and I was really impressed, it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Bowers were relegated from the Isthmian Premier Division last term and they will be looking to return at the first time of asking.

And that is Reeve’s aim for the upcoming season.

“Promotion has to be the goal, I think with the squad of players we have, it’s certainly achievable.

“It’s a long season and there’s going to be ups and downs but I think we have a real strong squad to compete in the division.

“Personally, I want to continue to develop my game and to become a better player at the end of the season than I am now.”

They kick off their Isthmian North Division campaign with the visit of Brightlingsea Regent tonight.

He thinks that pre-season has been a success and bodes well for the upcoming season.

“Pre-season is a time to get to know players that you are going to play with in the season.

“It’s great for getting minutes and finding out how your team mates play.

“I think we’ve had a really good pre-season with lots of games against varied opposition and a lot of good quality training sessions.

“It’s clear to see that the players we have at the club have bundles of ability so I’m excited to get underway.”

Reeve played for Hullbridge Sports and Tilbury last season with both eventually being relegated from the Isthmian North.

He admits that it was a tough season being involved in a relegation dog-fight, even though he played regularly.

“Last season was difficult when I was playing for both Hullbridge and Tilbury as both sides were fighting for their lives.

“It was tough to play in games when you are constantly not picking up points and it feels like nothing is going your way.”

Despite a difficult experience, Reeve believes those spells will help him this season.

“I think this season, having had a lot of games in this division, will help me out a lot.

“I’m familiar with lots of the sides in the league and have played a number of teams on multiple occasions.

“I think this experience can only benefit myself ahead of the new season!”