CLASS act Chris Ribchester can get better and better, according to FC Clacton manager David Coyle.

The former Seasiders defender recently returned to the club, with his most recent team being coastal neighbours Holland FC.

Prior to that, having left Clacton four seasons ago, he played for the likes of Maldon and Tiptree, Heybridge Swifts and Stanway Rovers.

Ribchester appears to have settled back in straight away and has looked assured at the heart of Clacton’s defence.

Coyle has high hopes for him – and feels the player’s best years could still be ahead.

“Ribbo was head and shoulders – literally – above everyone else,” said the Seasiders boss, speaking after watching the centre-half score in last week’s 5-0 victory against Needham Market’s Academy.

“That’s why we brought him in.

“He dominates both penalty areas, as a defensive linchpin at one end and as an aerial threat from set-pieces at the other.

“When the ball’s in the air, you expect him to win every header. He’s been outstanding and a real class act since coming back.

“We still haven’t had his best years, either, so the fact he looks a cut above a lot of people we come across is only going to make him better.”