Barney Williams is a tenacious full-back, that typifies what we’re looking for at Braintree, says boss Jamie Day

BRAINTREE TOWN’S newly-appointed manager Jamie Day has signed highly-rated right-back Barney Williams, 21, from one of his former clubs, Welling United.

Day, who was unveiled as the manager of Braintree Town following the departure of Danny and Nicky Cowley to their National League rivals Lincoln City, left Forest Green Rovers when Adrian Pennock was controversially sacked in April despite the club sitting in second-place in the National League.

Day knows all about Williams having introduced him as a seventeen-year-old into the first team when he was Welling United manager, sending him out on loan to VCD Athletic, helping them win the Ryman League Division One North title in season 2013-14.

“Barney is a tenacious full-back, that typifies what we’re looking for at Braintree,” Day told www.braintreetownfc.org.uk.

“I know our fans will quickly take to him and I can see him playing at a higher level in the future.”

Welling United, who will be playing National League South football in August after finishing bottom in the National League last season, confirmed Williams’ departure to the Essex club was on a free transfer.

Manager Mark Goldberg told www.wellingunitedfc.com/wp: “Barney deserved an opportunity to play at the highest level possible, therefore we didn’t want to stand in his way and we wish him well at Braintree.”

A club statement added: “Williams will be reunited with Jamie Day, who brought him through into the Wings first team via Cambridge United’s London satellite Academy.

“Williams had a year left on his contract but has departed Park View Road and we wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts in a Wings shirt.”

Goldberg, who lost both of his games in charge of Welling United at the end of last season, has been busy rebuilding his squad during the summer.

The Wings open their nine-match pre-season campaign with the annual curtain raiser against relegated Charlton Athletic on Saturday 9 July (15:00).

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com/wp