JOE Turpin says he will never forget his time with Basildon United after sealing a return to Tilbury.

The central defender joined the Bees from Tilbury in the summer of 2018, but Turpin has completed a move back to Chadfields.

Turpin worked under eight managers and decided against departing following two budget cuts at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium, but the 22-year-old will look back on his spell at the Isthmian North club with great fondness.

“Being at Basildon is a time I will never forget,” said Turpin.

“There have been some difficult periods, with players and managers coming and going, but that’s football and these things happen.

“People say about making friends for life but I know that is true because that’s what has happened at Basildon.

“I will miss everyone at the club, especially the fans because they supported me and I couldn’t have asked for more from them.

“It was a very difficult decision to make because of there being so many amazing people at Basildon and I owe them a lot.

“But I do feel I have given my all for the club since joining and I am leaving on good terms.”

Turpin made the move to Basildon just a matter of weeks after Marc Harrison had guided the Bees to promotion from the Essex Senior League.

But Harrison resigned as boss in November 2018 and took charge of Isthmian North rivals Tilbury seven days later.

Turpin is looking forward to working under Harrison, who has led the Dockers to a promotion push this term, again.

“Ever since leaving Tilbury, I’ve had a good relationship with everyone there,” added Turpin.

“It’s hard to leave Basildon, but Marc Harrison approached me and Tilbury are a big club.

“I have got on well with Marc and his assistant manager Liam Wallace ever since they left Basildon and they really are top blokes.

“I can’t wait to work with them again.”

Turpin, whose final Bees appearance came in the Isthmian League Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Folkestone Invicta following a 2-2 draw in midweek, could make a swift return to the Cousins Car Wash Stadium as Tilbury visit on Saturday.

“It’s very strange to think that my first game back at Tilbury could be against Basildon,” admitted Turpin.

“But, if I’m given a chance to play against them, I’ll do all I can to help Tilbury win because it would be another massive three points towards ensuring we get into the play-offs.

“I’m looking forward to getting the Tilbury shirt back on.”