BRETT Williams has been given a second bite of the Football League cherry.

The former Eastleigh striker, who grew up in Hedge End, has become new manager Teddy Sheringham’s second recruit at Stevenage Borough.

Williams, 27, got his first big break when he left Eastleigh for Reading in 2011 for a £50,000 fee but he never made it into the Royals’ first team and had spells out on loan with Rotherham, Northampton and Woking.

But his star has dramatically risen again since joining Aldershot on a free transfer in 2013, since when he has banged in an impressive 43 goals in 99 appearances for Eastleigh’s Vanarama National League rivals.

He was offered a new deal by the Shots for next season, but turned it down in favour of pursuing his Football League aspirations with Stevenage, who finished sixth in League Two last term.

“Out of the clubs that were interested in me, Stevenage stood out,” said Williams, admitting that the Sheringham factor played its part.

“With the new manager coming in, that topped it off,” admitted the ex-Winchester City and AFC Totton marksman.

“The experience he’s got and where he’s played - if I can’t learn off him, I can’t learn off anyone, so I’m really excited.”

Full details of Williams’ Stevenage contract have yet to be disclosed, but it is understood the Southampton-based hitman penned a two-year deal after passing his medical yesterday.

Thanking Aldershot for helping to relaunch his career, Williams said: “They have been brilliant for me, giving me the chance to play regularly to prove myself and to be the best I possibly could.

“I always felt I deserved another chance and Aldershot have put me on the right path again.”