FC CLACTON defender Harvey Cowler says he is enjoying every minute of his spell with Harwich and Parkeston.

Last season's manager's player-of-the-year is spending time with the Shrimpers as part of a gentlemen's agreement between Seasiders boss Tom Austin and Shrimpers counterpart Kieron Shelley.

The move is giving him an opportunity to boost his fitness levels and get minutes under his belt, playing in division one south of the Thurlow Nunn League.

And he believes it is doing him the world of good, as he tries to get back up to speed following an injury late last season.

“I’m really enjoying it over here," said Cowler.

“For me, it’s about getting minutes.

“That’s what I’m here for and I need to get myself fit, after tearing my hamstring towards the end of last season.

“I think I got a game in before the end and then it’s been a case doing as much as I can during the summer.

“I wasn’t getting in the Clacton team as much as I wanted at the start of this year and that’s why I was happy to come here, when I got the call from Kieron.

“I want to get myself back in the mix again, hopefully at Clacton, but at the moment I’m very happy here at Harwich.

“It’s great fun.

“There’s a real togetherness and I like the club.

"Everyone’s pulling in the same direction."

Cowler insists he is still as ambitious as ever, despite effectively dropping down a rung on the non-league ladder.

Clacton play at step five, in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division, which is one higher than their Tendring neighbours.

However, Cowler has been impressed with the progress being made at the Royal Oak.

“There’s a bit of a buzz here and people are turning out to watch our matches," he said.

“They want to be involved.

“I’m seeing how it goes at the moment and just trying to get myself fit, but I’m happy to stay as long as needs be.

“If Clacton need me, I’d be happy to play and obviously it’s a higher level.

“But if I don’t get that call, I’m content with where I am at the moment.

“I’m still ambitious and want to play at the highest level I can but this move is all about my fitness.

“I see that as my weakest point.

“I like this division and think it’s very competitive.

“We play a lot of local teams and the rivalry is good but then several others that we don’t know anything about.

“That’s quite nice, in a way, because it’s all about us and how we set up."

Cowler recently became a dad for the first time after partner Megan gave birth to little Sofia-Bleu.

“It’s been great so far – tiring but an amazing feeling," he said.