It's great to have Ross Flitney on board, says Bromley boss Neil Smith, who has now lost three players to big-spending Billericay Town

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith has acted quickly to bring in a new goalkeeper after Alan Julian defected to sign for Billericay Town.

The Ravens are in eleventh-place in the Vanarama National League table, but the 33-year-old submitted a transfer request and has signed for big-spending Billericay Town, who play two leagues lower and are in 11^th place in the Ryman Premier League.

Julian joins another couple of former Bromley team-mates, defender Rob Swaine and forward Adam Cunnington taking a backwards step in their careers to sign for the big-spending Essex outfit.

Bromley accepted a transfer request from Julian, who was part of the club’s history making Conference South championship winning side in April 2015, earning promotion to the top-flight of non-league football.

“First things first, what a great time I’ve had at Bromley FC,” Julian said in a statement, issued by the club’s website www.bromleyfc.tv.

“I have some brilliant memories, winning the title and celebrating with my son on the pitch was a real special moment.

“A special thank you to the fans who have welcomed me from day one and have always been so supportive both home and away.  A big thank you to the managers, coaches and physio department I’ve worked with.

“Also, a special welcome to Shims (Glyn Shimell), my goalkeeping coach who has had a massive influence on me and please be sure that Bromley have one of the best goalkeeping coaches I’ve ever worked with.”

Smith unveiled the arrival of replacement goalkeeper Ross Flitney, 32, who arrives at Hayes Lane as a free-agent following his release from Vanarama National League South strugglers Whitehawk.

“It’s great to have Ross on board with all his experience,” Smith told the club's website.

“It was an easy decision to make with Ross having played at this level and above as well as having a great reputation and a hunger to stay and play at the highest level possible.”

Flitney, who’s recent clubs include Croydon Athletic, Dover Athletic, Gillingham and Eastleigh, added: “I’m pleased with the move.  I have worked with Neil Smith before (at Croydon Athletic in the Ryman League) and I know about the club’s ambitions so I knew it was the right decision.

“Also for me to get back to playing at the highest level possible is exciting and I look forward to the challenge ahead.”

Flitney will make his Bromley debut when Solihull Moors make their first visit to Hayes Lane on Saturday.

Bromley have secured 45 points from 31 games, while their visitors lie four places lower on 40 points from their 32 league outings.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv/site