FORMER Colchester United left-back Ryan Clampin has signed for National League new boys Braintree Town.

The 25-year-old has become the Iron's first signing since their promotion from National League South, after putting pen to paper on a deal at Cressing Road.

Clampin was a free agent, following his departure from National League side Eastleigh at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract.

 

The former U's academy player spent a year with the Spitfires after joining them last summer following his departure from the U's.

Clampin told Braintree Town FC: "It's a competitive league.

"There's a few real good teams in there, a few forgettable teams as well.

"But overall, it's a good league, a good standard and I know they'll look forward to watching it."

In total, Clampin made 15 appearances for Eastleigh in the National League, as they finished 13th in the National League table.

Clampin also made two cup appearances for Eastleigh, whose manager Kelvin Davis has just signed a new three-year deal at the Silverlake Stadium.

He said: "It's a competitive league.

"There's a few real good teams in there, a few forgettable teams as well.

"But overall, it's a good league, a good standard and I know they'll look forward to watching it."

The Colchester-born defender was one of a number of players released by the U's at the end of the 2022-23 season, bringing the curtain down on his 16-year association with the club.

 

Clampin made 66 league and cup appearances for the U's, after making his senior debut for them in September, 2018.

The former U’s youth teamer clocked up 18 league and cup appearances for the U’s in the 2022-23 season, following his recovery from a long-term injury.

Clampin spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Dundee, whom he helped land the Scottish Championship title.

Braintree have also confirmed that Tom Blackwell will remain at Braintree for the 2024/25 season.

He had 21 goal contributions to his name last season, helping the Iron claim promotion from National League South.