Danny Bloor has made his first major signing as Eastbourne Town manager by bringing in experienced defender Stuart Tuck.

Tuck, who made 93 appearances for Albion over six years, is joining Bloor’s management team at The Saffrons and also goes straight in to the squad for tomorrow’s derby against Horsham YMCA.

Bloor, who takes charge for the first time following Ady Colwell’s resignation in the wake of the 9-0 Boxing Day defeat to YM, said: “I am delighted Stuart is joining me. I have tried to work with Stuart three times before but it never came to happen.

“Stuart Tuck is a winner and if Eastbourne Town had 11 Stuart Tucks in their side they would not be in the position they are in.

“He’s passionate about his football and, like me, is relishing the challenge ahead of us at Eastbourne Town.

“It’s a major coup for myself and Eastbourne Town to get someone as experienced and vastly respected as Stuart onboard.”

Tuck has been involved at Bognor this season but has also played for Eastbourne Borough, Worthing and Burgess Hill.

Bloor has also signed former Eastbourne Borough defender Dominic Douglas, who played under him when he was manager at Worthing, but he does not available tomorrow.

Horsham YMCA boss Chris White has warned his side to expect a backlash in tomorrow's game.

White said: “We are on a hiding to nothing because people will be expecting us to win comfortably. I’m under no illusions it is going to be a very tough game though as they will want to prove a point.

“Even without a change of manager there would have been a reaction to losing 9-0 but with a new manager on board they are going to be really up for it.

“It is going to be strange being up against Danny because I am good friends with him. I’m sure he will do a good job there but I am hoping he doesn’t start until after tomorrow.”

Tony Timms returns from suspension for YM and Mike Huckett is fit but Tom Manton is unavailable.