BRAINTREE Town manager Brad Quinton says he is genuinely surprised at how well his squad building has gone as he prepares for his first season in charge as Iron boss.

Having seen almost the entirety of last season’s squad, that got relegated from the National League, depart, Quinton has had a chance to put his own stamp on the side after joining as manager from Enfield Town.

He has unveiled 11 new signings so far, including experienced former Iron players Nathan McDonald, Scott Shulton and Liam Enver-Marum alongside rising youngsters such as striker George Sykes and midfielders Billy Crook and Roman Michael-Percil.

Quinton is set to run his eye over further potential new signings in a showcase trial session and game being held on Thursday, but he has been pleased with how well his building has gone in the early days of his tenure as manager.

He said: “There are still guys all over my phone at the moment - people who have played at Conference South and above - and we’ll see plenty more at the trial game we’re planning on Thursday.

“There are some National League players and players who have been released from pro clubs, so it’s going really well.

“In fact, I’d say it’s going better than I thought it would with the players that we’ve been able to get on board. I have honestly been surprised and very pleased.

“They are so eager and it’s still very early.

“Maybe with the club having been at the higher level before, the fact that I’ve been with the club before and have seen success there and the fact that we all want to get back up there is all playing a part in that, but they are very eager.

“There is a good mix there for us already. They like the way that we coach and treat them and I think they know that from previous seasons that there are people and scouts who watch our teams so there is the knowledge that they are in the shop window being at Braintree Town.

“They are pleased that they can’t hide while working under us and the players know they have to perform.

“You can see that in the type of players we’re bringing in.”

The trial training session today will be followed by a 45-minute game on a 3G artificial pitch for players to impress and Quinton is pleased with the calibre of player who he expects to be attending.

“We have quite a few coming and we are turning players away at the moment,” he added.

“Things are going very very well. We’re not just having players come along to make up the numbers, though, and it has to be right for us to get them in.”