Football: Braintree braced for change

From the archive, first published Wednesday 11th Apr 2007.

Braintree Town are set to have a new-look squad next season.

Manager George Borg is hoping to bring in up to EIGHT new players, with the club's promotion dreams lying in tatters following three successive defeats.

Borg is preparing himself for another season in Conference South next season.

And he admitted there will be numerous changes, with several players set to be shown the door.

He said: "We have to use our budget wisely but if we're going to improve I think I'll have to bring eight new players.

"There will be players leaving and I have some building to do but I will not criticise them because they have performed miracles for me this season.

"I've got nothing but praise and respect for them but as a manager I have to ask whether these players are going to be good enough for us to be challenging for the Championship next season."

Borg admits he will be paying close attention to improving his attacking options.

Braintree have one of the lowest goalscoring tallies in Conference South and have struggled to find the net on a regular basis this season.

"I've tried my hardest to get some quality forwards in and that's not knocking the players we already have," he said.

"Had Alex Revell been at the club this season he would have added between 25 and 30 goals on to our overall total."

Braintree make the short journey up the A120 tonight to play near neighbours Bishop's Stortford at Woodside Park, who themselves are still challenging for a play-off place.

Mark Jones and Andy Porter are both expected to return after missing the Thurrock defeat.

Veteran defender Ollie Adedeji is also set to play, despite being hindered by a knee injury.

Braintree travel to play Yeading on Saturday and next Tuesday visit Eastleigh.

For all the latest Braintree Town news, see this week's Braintree and Witham Times.