Met Police boss Jimmy Cooper knows all about new signing Andre Da Costa from personal experience.

The former Sutton United and Kingstonian man signed for the Blues this week and is set to make his at Merstham tonight.

Da Costa terrorised Cooper’s men in last season’s Ryman Premier League play-off semi final defeat to Hendon and the Imber Court chief hopes he can find that form again when he finds his feet.

“He is an excellent player who we remember well from both the league games and the play off semi final where he almost won those games on his own,” he said.

“He is a very exciting prospect and one who will improve our side when his fitness levels get to the required level.”

Da Costa’s arrival after Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with struggling Brenwoord Town, sees the departure of former Chelsea youngter Nik Ahamed.

And Cooper, who signed defender WIll Salmon and striker Leon Smith earlier this month, has been forced to balance the books ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

"Nik is a very good player, but has recently found it hard to get game time due to the excellent form of others in his position," said the manager.

"With a tough budget to manage unfortunately I had to balance the books thus Nik leaving for pastures new.

"I sincerely hope that we work together in the future and in the meantime, I wish him every success for the future."