Former Premiership player John Piercy has returned to Eastbourne Town as player-coach.

The ex-Albion and Tottenham midfielder quit the Ryman division one south strugglers last week but manager Ady Colwell has moved quickly to reconcile the player who had been at the Saffrons for two years and helped them to the County League title last season.

Colwell said: "John has been invited back to Eastbourne Town in a player-coach capacity.

"I'm delighted he has taken up the position and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Colwell is hoping the new role will utilise Piercy's top-flight experience as Town fight to avoid going straight back down to the County League.

He said: "John will continue to play but he will also have more responsibility. He has his level two coaching badge and Premiership experience.

"He's really enthusiastic about the role and I wanted to get someone on board with Premiership experience and technical knowledge.

"We've had our ups and downs, as everyone does, but that's all water under the bridge and I am looking forward to having his technical input on the training pitch."

Piercy, a former England under-18 and under-20 player, had to quit the pro game due to the debilitating illness colitis, but resurrected his non-league career with his home town club.

Colwell will not be able to call on Piercy tomorrow for their crunch clash with bottom side Molesey. He sits out the game as he is suspended for one game.

Ben Putland and Greg Manton have finished suspensions and are back in contention.

Colwell said: "Molesey are now the only team below us so we need to get a win. It's that simple."