Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson has said a fond farewell to Steve 'Sticky' Willard this week and laid out the welcome mat for new signing Stuart Tuck.

The 34-year-old defender has decided to hang up his boots at Priory Lane after joining the club from St Leonards prior to the 1999-2000 season.

Wilson said: "Steve has decided to retire. He has thought long and hard about his decision but he is finding it increasingly difficult to keep playing, travelling and juggling his time with a hard manual job. We appreciate his honesty."

He added: "When I first came down here 13 years ago I played in the same team as Sticky and I have managed him for ten to 11 years after that. He is a good player but also a good friend.

"He feels he has come to the end of his days and we thank him for all he has done and wish him the best."

The vastly experienced Willard counts Hastings Town and Sidley United among his former clubs, and if he decided to continue playing at a lower level, he is sure to have a host of interested clubs chasing his signature.

The arrival of former Albion player Tuck has softened the blow for Wilson.

The 27-year-old is all part of the Borough masterplan.

Wilson said: "We are trying to build a side here which can get us out of this division and into the Premier.

"Tuck is part of the jigsaw. It takes a bit of time to get the right players and sign them up as they become available. It is a case of patiently building the team as we do not have vast amounts of money to spend."

Wilson added: "Stuart is a well known lad after his days with Brighton and a good signing for us. He was Worthing captain last year and their player of the year.

"I have watched him a few times and he will bring a lot to the club."

However, Wilson is not expecting too much from the new man.

He said: "The players around him are relatively inexperienced in the Southern League but I am not expecting miracles from him.

"It will take him time to bed in. It won't happen overnight and I am not going to put loads of responsibilty on his shoulders."

Borough will play either Shoreham or Burgess Hill in the third round of the Sussex Senior Cup after a 2-0 win over St Leonards on Wednesday night in their replay at Priory Lane.