We are delighted to announce the signing of prolific striker Sam Higgins, who links up with the Gulls after his release from fellow Isthmian Premier side Hornchurch.

Higgins needs little introduction to those who follow football at this level, and his records speak for them self in an award studded career that has seen him score over 300 goals.

Beginning his career with academy stints at Millwall and Southend United, his non league journey began with time at Fisher Athletic, Hornchurch and Chelmsford City among others.

Moves to Dartford, Concord Rangers and Bromley would follow, but it was at East Thurrock United where he found a home, first joining in 2012 before a more permanent 2014 move saw him play a key role in their rapid rise to success, winning them promotion to the National League South two years later, in a team that included now Canvey assistant manager Sammy Knott.

In his time there, he’d win x1 Golden Boot award in the Isthmian North and x3 in the Isthmian League Premier, scoring an incredible 37 goals in their last playoff winning campaign. He’d go on to replicate those lofty standards in the National League South, winning another golden boot award, setting the league alight and helping the Rocks to their first ever Essex Senior Cup as he consolidated his position as one of the best strikers at Step 2 of the Non League pyramid.

Canvey fans may also remember him making a brief cameo for the Gulls on a dual registration in our Isthmian North playoff campaign back in 2018, with Higgins grabbing the breakthrough away at Bowers & Pitsea in the semi finals.

He rejoined Chelmsford City following East Thurrock's relegation back to the Isthmian League in 2019, scoring a further 11 goals, before returning to Hornchurch, for whom he has been prolific with since, helping the club to an FA Trophy in 2020 as they beat Hereford at Wembley Stadium.

Last season, he notched an incredible 35 goals for the Urchins, making him one of the division’s best players and one of the most impressive goalscorers across Step 3.

Higgins comes into the side carrying a slight knock, expected to be in action for the Gulls within the next fortnight, and his arrival is one that Canvey fans can look forward to as he looks to add to his impressive goalscoring record at Park Lane.

We welcome Sam to Canvey and wish him all the success in his time here.

Photo Credit - Hornchurch FC