GOAL Machine DJ Campbell wants to make it third time lucky after being handed a dream return to the pro game with Brentford.

The Yeading star, who banged in 86 goals in a two-year spell with at The Warren, has signed a one-year contract with the League One side with the option of another 12 months.

He said: "I'm so excited and can't wait for it all to start. I was born to play football and it's fantastic.

"It's sad to leave Yeading but I want to improve and be a better player and score goals and go even higher."

Campbell started his career with QPR before linking up with Premiership giants Aston Villa, where he trained alongside the likes of England striker Darius Vassell.

But he didn't make the grade as a trainee at Villa Park and returned to his home in White City.

And now Campbell is still pinching himself after being snapped up by Bees boss Martin Allen.

He said: "Before it was me cleaning the pros' boots and now I've got people cleaning my boots. But the main thing now is to get in the team."

Campbell, now 23, linked up with current Yeading boss Johnson Hippolyte at Chesham United before spells with Billericay and Stevenage Borough where he won an FA Trophy runners-up medal.

He finally joined Ding in February 2003 and renewed acquaintances with Hippolyte, the man who Campbell credits with saving his career.

He said: "I can't explain how much gratitude I've got for him. If it wasn't for him I would have retired.

"He was the one who picked me up and got me back into it."

Campbell repaid his manager's faith by scoring 33 league goals and clinching the Golden Boot in his first season at the Warren.

And last season, his goals helped Ding make history when they reached the third round of the FA Cup and took on Newcastle United. He also netted 24 times as Ding wrapped up the Ryman Premier title.

Hippolyte is confident that his proteg can bridge the four-league gap as long as he can earn a place in the team.

He said: "There's no doubt in my mind about his ability. The only problem is that DJ Campbell wants to play football every week.

"It's important that he hits the ground running because he can get very annoyed and very despondent when he's not playing football."

Campbell was still under contract at Yeading and the club have received an initial fee, which could rise to a five-figure sum depending on his appearances for Brentford.

Hippolyte has strengthened his midfield with the signing of former Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Charlie Mapes and is now on the lookout for a replacement for Campbell.