Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding has been impressed with the hard work that new Iron manager Jamie Day is putting in to build his squad at the Avanti Stadium.

There have been a number of departures of players in the last couple of weeks from the squad that got Braintree to third in the Vanarama National League under former boss Danny Cowley last season.

The latest of those have been defenders Matt Paine and Matt Fry in the last few days, however, Harding said exits have not been wholly unexpected.

Day had given players a good spell of time to weigh up options and potential offers from other clubs, but the chairman said his new manager hadn't allowed the "grass to grow under his feet".

Harding said: "Jamie and I have been speaking a lot and I think the departures we've seen have not been wholly unexpected.

"I think some more will go over the course of coming days, but that creates opportunities.

"There will be a number who do wish to stay with us as well, but I think it's always been clear that next year will be Jamie's squad with Jamie's players.

"There have been departures with Kenny (Davis) going, Painey (Matt Paine), Markesy (Sean Marks), Matt Fry has said he won't be back and Remy Clerima has been released as well.

"However, Jamie knows that and he's been very busy.

"He's been speaking with a goalkeeper, a couple of central defenders, he was due to speak with four other people today, a couple more tomorrow and then more later in the week.

"He won't let the grass grow under his feet and he knows it just gives players opportunities to come in.

"We respect the players' decisions if they've decided to move on, but I know for a fact that there are plenty of players out there who are delighted that they are moving on as it gives them a chance to come in and join Braintree Town."