Back at the ground where he loves and is truly loved, the Whitehawk faithful have a lot to thank the forward for following his 19-goal campaign that kept the Hawks up at the end of a nail-biting 2021/22 season.

Following his departure at the start of last season, things might not have gone completely as planned but he soon returned to further prove his worth, prove a point. And we sat down with the man himself as he looks forward to a fresh season of Isthmian Premier football.

So, Jav, how is it to be back at The Enclosed Ground?

“Yeah, it’s nice to be back! Meeting some of the new boys that are here, meeting the ones that were from last season at the start so it’s not too bad to be fair. Ready to kick on.”

What do you think was the leading factor in your decision to return to the club?

“Just to see what we did last season, and build on that to be fair! Shaun [Saunders] got a good group last season so if you add a few more, which he’s done now, I think nothing can stop us from going up next season.”

Obviously in the one full season you were here it was a complete success with 19 goals in all competitions and plenty of assists. Do you think you can replicate that this time around?

“Yeah, that’s my target to be fair! I think 25 is my target for the season, and with the players that we’ve got around me I think I can do that. Nothing can stop me when I’m playing at my game, I feel like I can score as much as I can to be fair.”

And let’s discuss your own ability: do you think you’re at the peak of your game right now?

“Playing men’s football I think I’ve improved a lot. But I think there’s still room for improvement, a lot of room for improvement, so hopefully this season that comes out with the coaches that we have now.”