Rainford was the only part-timer in the Football League (Getty)

Chelmsford City have won the race to sign former Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder David Rainford.

The 29-year-old left the Daggers at the end of last season to take up a senior teaching role at an Essex school.

Newly-promoted Chelmsford have secured his services for their first campaign in the Blue Square South.

Clarets boss Jeff King told BBC Essex: "He's a strong mobile player who will be a valuable addition to the squad we already have."

Chelmsford are looking forward to their first experience of the Blue Square South after running away with the Ryman Premier Division title last season.

Rainford is their first summer signing and King has promised there are more new faces on the way: "We've spoken to six players but I'm not expecting to get them all.

"We need to strengthen a bit because you can't just stick with the same squad which got you up, I did that once when I was at Canvey and we came straight back down again."