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GOOD AND BAD NEWS FOR BRENTWOOD 26/07/2009
Ryman League Division One North club Brentwood Town have signed two new forwards but have already lost one of their earlier close season signings.
For experienced defender Tim Cole has been forced to retire from the game.
The two new faces at the Arena are winger George Lay (pictured), former Chelmsford City youngster who has also played for Billericay Town and Heybridge Swifts, and striker Joe Barrett, who was a member of last season's promotion-winning Aveley side.
Town manager Carl Griffiths is delighted with his two new signings adding: "I'm still looking to further strengthen the squad if I can before the season officially kicks off.
"We've several trialists to have a look at but I'm pleased with the two new signings.
"George was injured last season but he's been training with us and is back to fitness and keen to play while I know all about Joel and what's he capable of as a striker."
There is disappointment at losing the experienced Cole so quickly but Griffiths fully understands his reasons for quitting the game.
"He's been training but found that he can't get to the fitness level he wants because his body won't take it any longer," Griffiths explained. "As a result he's decided to pack up playing and I respect his decision and appreciate his honesty and I'm sorry it's come to that but only he knows whether he can be fit enough to play."
Cole, 32, was at Billericay Town last season having previously played for Thurrock and been captain at Dagenham & Redbridge.
"Fortunately we have plenty of cover at the back so there's no panic to go out searching for a replacement but we'll see how the situation develops," Griffiths added.
Griffiths admits there could be another signing or two before the August 15th kick-off, adding: "Overall I'm quite happy with the strengthening we've made to the squad.
There will also be a welcomed old face returning to the club for the coming season with ex-manager Steve Witherspoon taking on the role of assistant director of football, deputising for the current director of football Brian Hallett, who has work and family commitments.
Club chairman Keith Woodcock said: "I was as surprised as everyone when Steve resigned a while ago, but at the time I fully understood, as he did it for personal reasons, and put his family first.
"Now that his circumstances have changed, we are delighted to welcome him back to the Arena in his new role.
"Carl and assistant-manager Scott Canham have done a terrific job in their first season of management, and will continue to do so I'm sure this season.
"Initially, I see Steve's role as pulling the youth set up together, as this is where some of our first team players will come from.
"This coming season, we are not having a reserve squad, but instead will run a Capital League side.
"This will see players coming from the first team and the under-18s initially. There is no doubt in my mind that this will give us a greater degree of progression throughout the club."
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