FORMER Gillingham and Leicester City midfielder Junior Lewis is the new first team coach at Canvey Island.

Lewis was assistant manager with Championship club Leeds United at the start of last season.

And Gulls chief Danny Heale is thrilled to have brought him to the Prospects Stadium.

“Bringing Junior Lewis to the club is a massive coup,” said Heale.

“Peter Taylor has worked with him at several clubs.

“He spoke very highly about him and since coming in he's shown exactly why this is.

“He was assistant manager at Leeds United last season and having brought in a lot of experienced players it makes sense to bring in an experienced coach.

“He’s a bit of a disciplinarian which shows how seriously he is taking his role with the club and already he has gained the respect of the players and fellow coaches.”