JO Tessem has returned to the coaching staff at Sydenhams Premier outfit Totton & Eling.

The ex-Saints and Norway midfielder is a familiar face at Millers Park having previously helped out former manager Kev Dawtry as player-coach.

He drifted away last season but, following a phone call from newly-appointed T&E boss Wayne Mew, the 42-year-old is keen to get back involved.

“It’s quite a coup for us,” said Mew. “We needed a coach and tried hard to get one, but everyone we spoke to already had things sorted out.

“But then I phoned Jo and he was interested in coming back on the coaching side and he’s signed on as a player as well in case we need him.

“The fact we’ve got quite a new, young side makes it good for us to have someone like Jo around. You can’t buy that sort of experience. Plus, it gives us a possible link to Totton College where Jo coaches.”

With just 21 teams in the Sydenhams Premier this season, T&E are the odd ones out this weekend and will kick off the new campaign at fancied Newport IoW on Tuesday.

Two more ‘old boys’, midfielder Matt Monk and central defender Jamie Feasey, have returned and another experienced pair, Richard Hayter and Ross Gregory, have signed from Mew’s old club Romsey.

The Millers have also recruited young keeper Matt Fredericks, a youth/reserve team graduate from neighbours AFC Totton.