BRAINTREE Town's new manager Angelo Harrop has already made two signings for the coming season, writes DAVID WARD.

And he is aiming to add more shortly to have a well-balanced squad in time for the opening of the Vanarama National League South campaign, on August 6.

The latest player to put pen to paper for the coming campaign is Kyran Clements.

The 25-year-old central defender was the club's player of the season and proved to most Iron fans to be the most improved player, during the season.

 

Clements, who first joined the Iron four years ago, played 56 games for Braintree last season scoring three goals.

The Ipswich-based defender now looks to sit alongside the experienced newcomer John White in the heart of the defence.

He said: "I'm really pleased to sign on again as I have enjoyed my football and enjoy the club too.

"I'm looking forward also to playing for the new manager who has outlined exciting plans for our playing style this coming season so can't wait to get started."

Clements adds to Braintree's signing of experienced defender John White from Southend United.

Meanwhile Braintree have lost the services of Khale Da Costa and Gio Crichlow.

Crichlow is understood to be in talks with both St Albans City and Woking.

Over the next few days, manager Harrop will be speaking to the remainder of the players from last season whilst continuing to talking to several potential new recruits.

Harrop said: "It's always a busy time in close season and I'm talking every day to players and I'm confident we'll be up and ready to go for the new season.

"I'm really excited at the prospect of managing the team and will soon have my backroom team in place too."

 

One of the Iron's consistent backroom team - goalkeeping coach Kyri Neo - has decided to leave after three years at the Dunmow Group Cressing Road Stadium.

He has left because of increasing work commitments as a teacher near his Stevenage home which has made it too difficult to commit the hours he has been doing at the club, which included last season running the under-18s team.

Meanwhile Braintree are in the process of adding more pre-season friendlies to the schedule.

They have games pencilled in against Maldon and Tiptree, Harrop's former club AFC Sudbury, Felixstowe and Walton plus possible stronger opposition from two Football League clubs and a Premier League under-23 team.

Details will be announced along with venues and kick-off times, when arrangements have been finalised.