Testing start for Iron - Lewes first to visit Cressing Road Braintree Town start their Blue Square South fixtures with a trip to one of last season's play-off clubs - Eastleigh - on the opening Saturday, 8th August. That match is followed by two matches at Cressing Road. On the first Tuesday of the season, 11th August, Iron are at home to former Blue Square Premier side Lewes and on the second Saturday of the season, 15th August, entertain Maidenhead United who finished sixth last season and just missed out on the play-offs. Other fixtures of interest are the usual home and away ties with near neighbours Bishop's Stortford over the Christmas holiday. Iron visit the Woodside Park club on Boxing Day and entertain the Blues in the return on New Year's Day. Iron finish their campaign on Saturday, 24 April with a home fixture against Newport County. The full list of Iron fixtures for the forthcoming 2009/2010 season can be found by clicking the match link above. The open day's fixtures are as follows: Bishop's Stortford v. Newport County Chelmsford City v. Bath City Dorchester Town v. St Albans City Eastleigh v. Braintree Town Hampton& R'mond Boro v. Basingstoke Town Havant and W'ville v. Thurrock Lewes v. Weymouth Maidenhead United v. Dover Athletic Welling United v. Woking Weston-Super-Mare v. Staines Town Worcester City v. Bromley TWO NEW SIGNINGS Garvs adds two more - to Iron squad Robbie Garvey has added two further players to his squad as he prepares for pre-season training. 20 year old left back Andrew Howell joins Iron from Ryman League Premier Division side Tooting & Mitcham United. Last season Andrew finished as both Tooting's Supporters and Manager's player of the year, making 40 appearances. Prior to his spell at Tooting, Andrew was at Queen's Park Rangers, where he made an appearance in the Football League under manager Ian Holloway. Also joining the Iron is 23 year old central midfielder Jacob Mingle from Blue Square Premier side Eastbourne Borough. The Sussex side paid a fee to Ryman Leaguers Horsham in January for Mingle's signature and he went on to make three appearances in the Conference before the end of last season. Prior to his spell at Horsham, Jacob enjoyed spells at both Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic. Iron Manager Garvey was delighted with his latest additions: "Andrew did really well at Tooting last season and will give me plenty of options down the left. Jacob is a player I have been keen to sign for most of the summer and was one that I was keen to bring in as soon as I heard he'd been made available. He will certainly add quality to our midfield." GROUND RELOCATION PROGRESS New ground supported - by Braintree Council Braintree Town Football Club are pleased to see that the Club's relocation aspirations continued to be supported by Braintree District Council at their meeting on Monday, 22nd June of all sixty Council Members. Council Members voted in favour of supporting the inclusion of land north of Springwood Industrial Area, accessed off Springwood Drive rather than Panfield Lane, as a possible relocation site for the Club in their Draft Core Strategy - Core Locations. The proposed site would form part of a mixed development of 500 homes, employment land and a new location for Braintree College. The Pod's Brook Road site is to be considered at the next meeting of Braintree District Council's Local Development Framework Panel in July. RESERVES GO CAPITAL New league for reserves - and the youth team Braintree Town's reserve side have been elected into the Eastern Division of the Capital Football League for season 2009/10. Members of the Eastern Division include: Billericay Town, Bishops Stortford, Braintree Town, Brentwood Town, Canvey Island, Concord Rangers, Chelmsford City, Maldon Town and Witham Town. The Club will also compete in the Ridgeons League Reserve Division, but have resigned from the Ridgeons League Youth Division. Home matches in the Capital League will be played under the Cressing Road floodlights on Wednesday evenings, with kick-off at 7.45pm. MARK JONES BACK FOR MORE! Popular left back - signs up for 2009/10 Braintree Town have signed left back Mark Jones for next season. Mark had originally indicated to the Club that he thought his future might lay away from Cressing Road but, after a meeting with Iron Manager Robbie Garvey at an East London hotel yesterday (Thursday) evening, Mark decided to sign up for another season. Iron boss Robbie Garvey was pleased with Mark's decision: "Yes, I have released five players and, yes, I've had to be sensible with some of the deals I've been offering on the Club's behalf to others. But I always wanted players like Mark to stay. For me, he was always going to be the sort of player that would give the squad stability and the younger players enormous benefit from his experience. I understood his reasons for looking elsewhere, but when we talked last night about the possibility of another season together, I moved quickly to finalise a deal for next season." Chairman Lee Harding echoed his Manager's comments: "I had a long chat with Mark a few weeks back and he explained his reasons for leaving. I emphasised that he would always be welcome at the Club and that, if he ever reconsidered, all he had to do was let us know. Personally, I've always regarded Mark, like Brad Quinton, as 'Club men'. Both have played over 400 games for The Iron and are closing in on the Club's all time individual career appearance total. It would be a tremendous achievement to see one or both of them break that long-standing record. In today's modern climate, when some players seem to flit from one club to another for the sake of a few extra pounds, their long-service to our Club is truly remarkable. I'm sure all Iron supporters will join me in being delighted that Mark will be wearing the Iron yellow once again next season." ANOTHER FRIENDLY ADDED Braintree XI - will visit Canvey Island On Saturday, 18th July, Braintree Town have agreed to send a side to Ryman Leaguers Canvey Island for a friendly match. Iron boss Robbie Garvey still intends to play Burnham Ramblers that day and will send half of the squad to Burnham and the other half to Canvey. Robbie said: "It will be useful for me to give all the lads a thorough run out early in our build up. I'll probably take one side and Broomy will take the other." GARVEY ADDS STRIKER Blue Square Premier striker - switches to Cressing Road Braintree Town have signed 21-year-old striker George Purcell from Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United. Purcell was spotted playing in the Gravesend youth leagues by Coca-Cola League Two side Gillingham and went through the youth ranks at Priestfield. Released in the summer of 2006 Purcell, who can also play wide on the left, signed for Ebbsfleet following a successful trial in 2006. A skillful and pacey left winger or striker, he established himself more in the Fleet side during 2007/08, having enjoyed a handful of run-outs in the Conference the year before. Last season he spent time on loan at both Heybridge Swifts and Ramsgate, but featured regularly in a strikers role following his return to Stonebridge Road, making twenty appearances for the Kent club. Iron boss Robbie Garvey was delighted with his latest addition: "George is a lad I've been aware of for a year or two. He's done really well at Ebbsfleet and progressed with a couple of spells on loan with Ryman sides. Still only 21, he's hungry for success and I know he will do well for us at Cressing Road. With Matt Game and Sean Marks, plus one other striker I'm looking to sign, there will be plenty of options for me up front." GARVEY BRINGS IN TWO MORE Centre half and striker - join the squad Braintree Town manager Robbie Garvey has added two further players to his squad for the forthcoming 2009/2010 season. Joining the Club from Ryman Leaguers Billericay Town are 27-year old centre half Lynvall Duncan and striker Matt Game who is 24. Talking to the website, Robbie was pleased with his latest additions: "Lynvall is a commanding, vocal, centre half who organises well and wants the chance to play at a higher level. He did well at Leatherhead before spending most of last season at Billericay. Matt Game is a lad that has had his fair share of bad luck with injuries over the past couple of years. I understand that he had a brief spell at Braintree in 2004 while on loan from Leyton Orient and did well then. The good news is that he's now fully fit and he too wants to play at a higher level. I'm getting approached by loads of players at the moment and hope to announce further signings next week." IRON SIGN TWO Centre half and right back - sign for The Iron Braintree Town Manager Robbie Garvey has signed his first two players as he looks to re-shape his squad for the 2009/2010 season. Joining The Iron are central defender Adam Bailey-Dennis, who will be 19 in September, from Coca-Cola League One side Colchester United and 21 year old Ryan Peters, who has spent the past two years with Ryman Leaguers Margate after leaving Coca-Cola League Two side Brentford. Robbie told the website: "Adam is a big signing for us. A young lad with a great future in the game, he's a six foot three left-footed centre-half. I thought I'd missed out on him as I'd heard he was about to sign for Northampton, but their relegation to League Two curtailed their interest. He is highly rated by a lot of people I've spoken to and an exciting prospect. Another great signing for us is Ryan Peters. I've been keeping an eye on his progress since he left Brentford and I know that he is a really versatile player who is both quick and hard working. I think his best position is right back, but I know he can also do a job for us in both midfield and up front if necessary!"  NEW KIT FOR 2009/2010 All yellow is back plus - royal blue and a third kit The Club have unveiled their new playing kits for the forthcoming 2009/2010 season. While the home kit reverts to the popular all yellow, there are significant changes to the second kit and the introduction of a third kit. The second kit will now be all royal blue, with the third kit all white. The second and third kits will only be used away from home. With the co-operation of our kit supplier Vandanel, it is hoped to have replica kits available from Saturday, 1st August in time for the new season. Replica shirts will be available from the Club Shop and will retail at £35 for adults and £30 for childrens sizes. Supporters Club members will be offered a £5 discount! PUBLIC EXHIBITION FOR NEW STADIUM PROPOSALS Latest Stadium plans - on display in Braintree Town Hall Supporters are invited to attend a public exhibition being held on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at Braintree Town Hall, Market Square, Braintree, Essex CM7 3YG. The public exhibition will be held from 2pm until 8pm. The purpose of the exhibition is to update all in our community on the latest concept plans and proposals for land west of Braintree Town off Pod's Brook Road. The Flitchway Settlement, as it is known, is an exciting opportunity to integrate the new football stadium complex as part of a new leisure quarter in a sustainable development to the west of Braintree town centre, which will also include housing and employment. We look forward to updating you all on the latest proposals. Please feel free to invite anyone interested to attend with you! FIVE PLAYERS RELEASED Iron Manager Robbie Garvey - starts work on next season Braintree Town Manager Robbie Garvey has decided to release the following five players: Danny Hockton, Wayne O'Sullivan, Chris Piper, Micky Shinn and Gareth Williams. The Club would like to thank them for their efforts whilst at Cressing Road and wish them the very best of luck with their future careers. Robbie Garvey is now discussing terms with the remaining players and a series of potential new signings. More news when we have it! SIXTH FRIENDLY AGREED Iron to visit - Rookery Hill in July Braintree Town will now travel to Ryman League Division One North side East Thurrock United on Thursday, 30th July for a pre-season friendly, with kick-off at 7.45pm FIRST FIVE FRIENDLY DATES SET Visit by Football League side - and local derbies Braintree Town have agreed the first five of their scheduled seven pre-season matches for July and August. These are as follows: Saturday, 18th July, away v Burnham Ramblers, kick-off: 3pm Tuesday, 21st July, away v Billericay Town, kick-off: 7.45pm Saturday, 25th July, away v AFC Sudbury, kick-off: 3pm Monday, 27th July, home v Dagenham & Redbridge, kick-off: 7.45pm Thursday, 30th July to be confirmed Saturday, 1st August: to be confirmed Tuesday, 4th August, away v Halstead Town, kick-off: 7.45pm More news when we have it! SEASON ENDS WITH DEFEAT Braintree caught by late - decider at Thurrock Braintree Town travelled to Thurrock on Tuesday evening for their last Blue Square South fixture of the season and came home beaten by the only goal. Injuries to both Danny Hockton and James Hawes limited Iron's attacking intentions, but the game seemed destined to finish goal-less until Orilonishe pounced on a defensive mix-up in the Iron rearguard to force home the decider on 79 minutes. The result leaves Braintree certain of finishing in fourteenth position in the Blue Square South table and now waiting news of which clubs will be relegated to and promoted to step two in the non League system to see if the Club are reallocated to the Blue Square North for next season. More news when we have it! IRON DOUBLE OVER SAINTS Iron cruise to - comfortable three points Braintree Town travelled to St. Albans City for their penultimate Blue Square South match of the season and cruised to a very comfortable three-goal victory - Robbie Garvey's second since taking over as Iron manager. James Hawes effort from the edge of the box put Braintree ahead in the 16th minute at the Hertfordshire club before Danny Hockton added a second on 64 minutes. Gareth Williams got the third with fifteen minutes remaining, to secure a Blue Square South win double over the Clarence Park club. Next up for Braintree is their last Blue Square South fixture of the season away to Essex neighbours Thurrock this coming Tuesday evening, 21st April, with kick-off at 7.45pm. This is a match that the Ship Lane club must win to give themselves hope of avoid a bottom three finish. EASTER ROUND-UP Narrow defeat at Hampton - and at home to Chelmsford City Braintree Town endured a pointless Easter holiday, coming home beaten by two goals to one at Hampton on Easter Saturday and going down by the same margin at home to Chelmsford City on Easter Monday. Saturday saw Braintree start lively against Hampton, but concede twice before the break to turn around 2-0 down. Micky Shinn's long-range effort reduced the arrears with ten minutes remaining, but Iron could not add to their tally. On Easter Monday, Chelmsford had marginally the better of the first half, but Iron took the initiative after the break and the lead through Danny Hockton on 58 minutes, when his lob beat the stranded Danny Gay. But two goals in the last five minutes from Chelmsford saw the visitors secure what had looked to be unlikely points to all but secure their play-off position. Next up for The Iron is a trip to St. Albans City this coming Saturday, 18th April, with kick-off at 3pm. FIRST WIN FOR NEW BOSS Lou from the spot and - Williams secure points Braintree Town welcomed a spirited Fisher Athletic to Cressing Road under the floodlights on Tuesday evening in the Blue Square South and won by two goals to nil. Braintree made a bright opening and took the lead on twenty-nine minutes. Louis Riddle was brought down in the visitors 18 yard box and dusted himself down to tuck the resultant spot kick past the keeper. Ten minutes later and Iron doubled their advantage when Gareth Williams close range effort was deflected past the stranded Fisher keeper. With new Manager Robbie Garvey enjoying his first home match in charge, the Braintree players continued to push on after the break and Louis Riddle came closest to adding a third when his effort on 79 minutes came back into play off the upright. After the match Robbie Garvey was pleased with what he had seen: "We've got some good players here and they all gave me 100% tonight. Fisher worked hard all night, but we kept at it and deserved the three points." Next up for The Iron is a trip to Hampton & Richmond this coming Saturday, 11th April, with kick-off at 3pm. GARVEY ERA UNDERWAY Hard working performance - goes unrewarded New Iron boss Robbie Garvey's first match saw Braintree work hard at play-off hopefuls Bath City before coming home beaten by the odd goal in five. The points were won for the home side by hat-trick man Dave Gilroy, but Iron finished the game strongly and could have nicked a point. Iron fell behind from the penalty spot on 22 minutes. Joe Bruce lost his footing in the Iron 18-yard box and the ball struck his arm and Gilroy stepped to score from the spot. Braintree responded positively and leveled on 34 minutes. Louis Riddle's corner was nodded on at the near post for Danny Hockton to score from close range at the far post. Two goals in four minutes from Gilroy put the home side in control before the break, but Braintree took the game to the home side after the interval. Both Louis Riddle and Wayne O'Sullivan tested the home defence before O'Sullivan finally reduced the arrears with four minutes remaining. Persistence on the left flank from Sean Marks and Louis Riddle saw Riddle cross for the unmarked O'Sullivan to head home. After the game Robbie Garvey said: "Yes, we lost and I'm dissappointed with that, but if the game had lasted for another five minutes we might have got something. The positive thing for me was that the lads worked hard, responded well to what I had to say and they have given me something to work on for Tuesday."  IRON APPOINT NEW MANAGER Braintree Town welcome - Robbie Garvey Braintree Town Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Robbie Garvey as First Team Manager. Robbie will take over the role with immediate effect and will be introduced to the players tonight (Thursday). Robbie is well known around the Essex area having played for a number of senior clubs before moving into coaching and management. He began his coaching career at Thurrock and now has a UEFA level 3B coaching licence. Robbie moved on to Dagenham & Redbridge in 2003 under both Garry Hill and, until this week, was as assistant manager to John Still. Club Chairman Lee Harding was pleased with the appointment: "Robbie has played an important part in bringing success under both Garry Hill and John Still at Dagenham & Redbridge, managers we both respect and admire. All of the board have been very impressed with Robbie's plans for our Club and his obvious enthusiasm and desire for the job. Next season, Robbie will have a blank canvas to work with and will be able to use our last six matches of the season to decide which of our existing players are offered terms for next season." Robbie Garvey said: "The opportunity to manage Braintree Town was one I felt too good to turn down at this point in my career, even though it means giving up my full time position working for Dagenham & Redbridge. The chance to come in and take over for the last six games gives me the chance to see the players face to face and for them to show me they are the future of Braintree Town and not the past. I've had an opportunity to watch a couple of the last homes games and it has been noticeable the lack of confidence, enthusiasm and required energy levels which sometimes come from uncertainty. I'd like to thank the Chairman and the Board for giving me this opportunity to take the Club forward and sharing my ideas, beliefs and my plans for the future for Braintree Town FC." NEW DATE FOR FISHER MATCH Last game brought forward - to help Fisher and the league Braintree Town's Blue Square South match at home to Fisher Athletic, scheduled for the last Saturday of the season, has been brought forward to Tuesday, 7th April to assist both Fisher Athletic and the Conference with its fixtures. Braintree Town's fixtures with therefore be completed on Tuesday, 21st of April when we visit Thurrock. BLUNT IRON BEATEN BY LATE WINNER Another poor home performance - as Iron go through the motions Saturday afternoon's Blue Square South match with visitors Basingstoke Town started with a freak hail storm, but the first half failed to live up to the lively weather conditions. On 14 minutes Danny Hockton saw his header saved by the well positioned keeper, while Basingstoke's Ryan Stephens saw his free-kick from the edge of the box fizz just over the bar two minutes later. Basingstoke had a strong penalty appeal turned down when a shot from distance struck Micky Shinn's arm, but the referee waived play on. On 39 minutes Basingstoke's Phil Ruggles failed to hit the target from 25 yards, while Chris Piper saw his dipping effort drop just over moments before the interval to complete a dour first half for both sides. The second half saw a brief rally from Braintree. Williams set up Lee Burns on 48 minutes who missed his kick from close range while Chris Piper missed the target when well placed three minutes later. But as the half wore on Braintree simply ran out of ideas, with too many players simply going through the motions. The last ten minutes saw Basingstoke push forward for a winner. Matthew Warner set up Jerome Maledon who should have done better when free in the Braintree 18-yard area. Moments later Basingstoke's Sam Tucknett was felled in the box, only to be cautioned for his theatrical dive. But Basingstoke's late flurry was finally rewarded. With three minutes left Basingstoke threw players forward for a corner on the right. It was pumped under the bar and after a number of half clearances, Sean Hankin squeezed the ball home from close range. In time added on Louis Riddle had the perfect opportunity to level but blazed his shot over the bar with the keeper well beaten. All in all, a poor performance from a poor Braintree side. Next up for The Iron is another Blue Square South match at Bath City, this coming Saturday, 4th April, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON & WORCESTER FINISH ALL SQUARE Braintree ahead through BQ - but concede within minutes Braintree Town and Worcester City shared an entertaining 1-1 draw under the Cressing Road floodlights on Tuesday evening. Iron were first into their stride and were awarded a penalty on 18 minutes when a Worcester defender handled in the box. The spot kick was duly converted by Brad Quinton, but the visitors forced their way back into the game within three minutes. Iron conceded a free-kick on the edge of their 18-yard box and Worcester's Oliver Barnes drilled his kick straight through the Iron defensive wall and past Craig Holloway. After the break Braintree pushed forward, dominating possession, while Worcester looked lively on the break. But neither side could force a decider and both sides had to settle for a point. Next up for The Iron is another Blue Square South match at home to Basingstoke Town, this coming Saturday, 28th March, with kick-off at 3pm. HOCKERS BRACE & BQ PENALTY SINK STUDENTS Braintree make it seven goals in three hours - against Team Bath Braintree Town completed a notable double over Team Bath on Saturday, following up August's 4-1 home win with a three-nil victory at Twerton Park on Saturday. Goal-less for much of the first half, an explosive nine minute spell saw Iron score three in nine minutes to effectively secure the points. Iron took the lead on 36 minutes. Joe Bruce was fouled in the box and Brad Quinton stepped up to score from the spot. Four minutes later and it was 2-0 when Danny Hockton scored from close range and Dan added a second just before the break when he headed home Brad Quinton's corner. Team Bath pushed forward after the break but could find no way through the well marshalled Iron defence. The three points lifted Braintree up to twelfth in the table. Next up for The Iron is another Blue Square South match at home to Worcester City, this coming Tuesday, 24th March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. DOUBLE SPOT KICK SINKS IRON Braintree struggle to match - in-form Hayes & Yeading Braintree Town slipped to their seventh home Blue Square South defeat of the season going down by the only goal of the game to visitors Hayes & Yeading on Tuesday evening under the Cressing Road floodlights. Iron struggled for most of the game to match the visitors' lively and incisive play. On the half hour Iron keeper Craig Holloway had to be at his best to punch block Will Hendry's effort and Hayes & Yeading continued to threaten on the break after the interval. The turning point came on the hour. Billy Burgess was adjudged to have fouled in the home 18-yard box and Josh Scott stepped up to send Criag Holloway the wrong way at the second time of asking, after his first spot kick was saved but ordered to be retaken. Next up for The Iron is a trip down the M4 to visit Team Bath, this coming Saturday, 21st March, with kick-off at 3pm. FOUR GOAL IRON COAST TO VICTORY Brace for Hockton - plus goals for Riddle & Porter Braintree made the short journey across the River Thames to visit Bromley for another Blue Square South fixture on Saturday and put in one of their best performances of the season to come home winners by four goals to one. With Danny Hockton, Gareth Williams and Craig Holloway all starting against their former club, Iron were obviously up for the match from the off and took the lead after just 10 minutes. Louis Riddle's free-kick from the right was lofted into the home penalty area and met by a sweet Danny Hockton header at the far post for the opener. Four minutes later and Braintree doubled their advantage. This time Hockton turned provider setting up Andy Porter who drilled the ball home from twelve yards out. Just after the half hour mark, Braintree added a third to effectively kill the match. A poor drop kick from the home keeper fell straight to Danny Hockton who broke forward before tucking his second past the stranded keeper. Bromley had little to lose after the interval and came at Braintree, but the Iron defence looked comfortable. As the second half wore on, Iron again took control and the fourth came with six minutes remaining. Brad Quinton's darting run was blocked by a crude challenge on the edge of the box and Louis Riddle crashed the resulting free kick through the defensive wall and past the unsighted home keeper. In time added on, Harding scored a consolation for the home side. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South match at home to Hayes & Yeading this coming Tuesday, 17th March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. SETBACK FOR NEW STADIUM HOPES Braintree Local Committee vote - to maintain support for Panfield Lane Braintree Town Football Club are disappointed by the vote at last night's (Tuesday, 10th March) Braintree Local Committee to support land adjacent to Panfield Lane as their growth location for the town as part of the District Council's Local Development Framework Consultation. The Committee also voted by a narrow majority not to change their growth location in favour of the Flitch Way site supported by the Football Club at land adjacent to Pod's Brook Road. While this is a set back for the Football Club's aspirations, the Football Club will continue to make representations to the Local Development Framework and, ultimately, to the Planning Inspectorate - if necessary. The Football Club are delighted that Braintree Council are looking to support the relocation of the Club from our Cressing Road to a new stadium. However, we are disappointed that the Flitch Way location has not been identified as the Council's preferred option particularly as the proposals support the early construction of a new stadium to secure the Club's future. Although Braintree Town Football Club currently attract crowds of around 600, Football Association ground grading requirements require bigger and b etter facilities to secure and retain promotion. Without better facilities, the Football Club cannot progress. As a result of further dialogue with the adjoining land owner an amended plan has been submitted to officers proposing to relocate the stadium, training pitch and community pitch to the east of Pod's Brook Road. This new plan has a number of significant benefits including the introduction of additional employment land amounting to 6 hectares and creating a leisure gateway for Braintree town with immediate access to the A120 and footpath/cycle links directly to the town centre. After many months of negotiations, WG Developments is close to entering into a partnership with a commercially sound development company who have agreed to fund the relocation of the football and tennis club and provide the roads and services to the general site, regardless of whether the housing or employment land is capable of sale or development. This will provide a guaranteed future for the development and relocation of the football and tennis clubs. WG Developments and the Football Club have undertaken an independent assessment in response to Essex County Council's transport review of the proposed new access and capacity issues at Pod's Brook Road which identifies little or no congestion while there is adequate provision within the network to cope with the plan proposals. Compare this to the current Panfield Lane proposals where there seems to have been very little assessment work in terms of the existing access off Springwood Drive which many believe to be at full capacity. The proposed 15 hectares of employment land could amount to an additional 100,000 sq meters of industrial space and 5000 additional traffic movements per day in addition to the current capacity at Springwood Drive. The Football Club believe that the allocation of 500 homes served off Panfield Lane is also of major concern for not only local residents but residents to the north, east and south of Braintree who will be affected. We can see no alternative route or access to the A120 for up to 1900 additional traffic movements from the site per day via Bocking or through the town centre onto Rayne Road which is already congested. This is a major concern in terms of additional traffic movements as new residents at Panfield Lane will have little or no option but to join the lengthy queues through Braintree town centre, day after day. We at the Football Club are not planning experts, but we are concerned that, unlike the Flitch Way settlement, the principle issues of access, flood risk, drainage, ecology, open space and utilities have not been adequately assessed or even identified as part of the Core Strategy preferred option site at Panfield Lane. And yet the Local Authority continue to promote this location. In summary the Flitch Way Settlement at Pod's Brook Road proposals provide the following benefits at no cost to the District Council as WG Developments and the Football Club are committed to preparing a detailed plan which will incorporate: A 6,000 seater sports stadium and new tennis courts Two additional sports pitches A new Primary school and playing fields up to 1,500 new 2, 3 and 4 bedroom dwellings plus much needed affordable housing New access of Pods Brook Road and Rayne Road Footpath/cycleway links from the Flitchway Settlement to the town centre and Great Notley Garden Village and business park Opportunity for a 20 hectare Country Park to the east of Rayne and structural planting 6 hectares of employment land And a new local centre and facilities. The Football Club believe that the proposals put forward by both WG Developments and ourselves respond to the future needs of the District. We believe there is a real opportunity to provide for the needs of a modern Football Club, Tennis Club and introduce new leisure facilities including sports facilities to the benefit of all Braintree residents while meeting the Council's goal of allocating new employment and residential land. Football Club Chairman Lee Harding said: "I am disappointed that some councillors appear not to have reacted to the considerable public opposition to the proposed growth location at Panfield Lane. Everyone that I talk to in our town says to me that Panfield Lane, Springwood Drive and Aetheric Road cannot take anymore traffic, especially at peak times. Last week I took a closer look at the land at the end of Springwood Drive I then spent half an hour from 5.15pm onwards trying to get out of Springwood Drive on to Rayne Road - the traffic was solid. I find it difficult to understand why planners seems so determined to extend our town at the very location that is furthest away from the A120 - the road built to alleviate our traffic! The Football Club and WG Developments are proposing a realistic, deliverable alternative. We have completed a very thorough assessment of the Pod's Brook Road site; we remain committed to it and will continue to support it through the Local Development Framework consultation. Despite this setback, I was encouraged by comments from a number of dissenting councillors that voted against the planners recommendations. Councillor Eric Lynch, in particular, aired a number of reservations about the location proposed by planners and seems to doubt if they are suitable for the town's growth." IRON SEE LEAD EVAPORATE IN WALES Iron ahead through Hockton - concede twice in last half hour Braintree Town slipped to an odd goal in three defeat in their Blue Square South match at Newport County on Saturday. Iron did well defensively before the break playing into the wind and turned around goal-less. After the break, Braintree took the initiative and the lead on 53 minutes when Danny Hockton broke through on the left and lifted his shot over the stranded home keeper. But Newport leveled on the hour, with Reid scoring from the penalty spot, and added the winner with nine minutes remaining when Cochlin headed home from a corner. Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South trip, this time to Bromley on Saturday, 14th March, with kick-off at 3pm. DISRUPTED GAME SEES HONOURS EVEN Iron ahead through Hockton - denied by leveller in time added on Braintree Town and Welling United shared the spoils from Saturday's 1-1 draw in the Blue Square South at Cressing Road on Saturday. An even opening half hour saw both clubs have chances to take the lead. Billy Burgess saw his twelfth minute header dip just over the bar from Brad Quinton's corner, while Moses Ademola's shot missed the target for Welling moments later. Welling finished the first half the stronger of the two sides. Three minutes before the break, Blackburn saw his volley well saved by Braintree keeper Craig Holloway. But the real action was saved for a 65 minute second half. Match referee Paul McCaul suffered a calf injury just after the interval and a 20 minute delay followed while a replacement was found. After the lengthy interruption, Welling looked lively and Ademola's pace created three great chances only to be denied by Holloway and Burgess. Late on, Braintree forced their way back into the game. With ten minutes left, Micky Shinn's corner was half cleared to Andy Porter who saw his rasping drive just miss the upright. But on 84 minutes the deadlock was broken. Chris Piper pounced on a defensive error by Sanchez Ming to break on the left. Cutting outside one challenge and then inside another, he reached the by-line and slipped the ball back to the waiting Danny Hockton to slide the ball home from close range. But Welling deserved a point and levelled in the third minute of time added on. Efforts from Ademola and James Baker were half cleared to substitute Richard Stevens, who steered his shot past Holloway. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South match at Newport County this coming Saturday, 7th March, with kick-off at 3pm. ANOTHER NEW DATE FOR TRIP TO THURROCK Braintree's match at Thurrock - now put back to late-April Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at Thurrock has been re-arranged again, this time for Tuesday, 21st April, with kick-off at 7.45pm. NEW DATE FOR TRIP TO THURROCK Braintree to travel to Thurrock - early in April Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at Thurrock, postponed from last Saturday week, has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 7th April, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON RESPOND TO BEAT HAVANT Brad's return galvanizes Iron - to take the points Braintree Town entertained Havant & Waterlooville at Cressing Road on Tuesday evening and won by the only goal of the game mid-way through the second half. With both sides looking to improve upon recent poor form, the first half was cagey with neither side taking the initiative. Brad Quinton had Braintree's two best chances with a long-range effort on 31 minutes well saved and a second chance placed just wide of the upright from the edge of the 18-yard box moments before the interval. The second half saw Iron take the game to Havant and the decider finally came on 65 minutes. Pressure from the home side saw Havant concede a corner, Micky Shinn floated his corner on the left over to Billy Burgess who's header was nodded on by the predatory Sean Marks from close-range to wrong foot both the visitors keeper and defence. Towards the end of the game Havant pushed forward and enjoyed a lot of possession together with some nine minutes of time added on, but struggled to break down a well-organised Iron defence. Indeed Braintree could have doubled their lead late on when Sean Marks got the better of the Havant defence and lobbed the stranded keeper, only for his effort to fall just wide of the upright. The three points eased Braintree away from the foot of the table up to twelfth. Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South match at home to Welling United this coming Saturday, 28th February, with kick-off at 3pm. WORCESTER MATCH - NEW DATE Worcester City to visit - in late March Braintree Town's Blue Square South match at home to Worcester City has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 24th March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON SECOND BEST AT WESTON Early goals leave Braintree - with too much to do Braintree made their longest journey of the season to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday and came back empty-handed after a poor performance. The home side took a 12th minute lead through Jack Compton, who lifted his well-place free-kick over the Iron defensive wall into the top right hand corner from the edge of the 18-yard box. Six minutes later Craig Rand rose unchallenged in the Braintree penalty area to head home Compton's corner to extend the lead. Braintree responded briefly and Lee Burns saw his 25-yard effort slam back into play off the crossbar, but Iron struggled after the break. Halfway-through the second half Dean Grubb tucked home a third from close range to secure the points before a Sean Marks header from Micky Shinn's cross with twelve minutes remaining provided a scant consolation for the visitors. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Havant & Waterlooville this coming Tuesday evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON FADE AGAINST MAIDENHEAD Late goals see - visitors take the points Iron went down 2-0 at home to visitors Maidenhead United on Tuesday evening. The game was goal-less for almost an hour before the visitors broke the deadlock through Tyrone Sith's long-range effort and then added a second late on through Dave Clarke. THURROCK MATCH POSTPONED Game at The Hotel - postponed by the match referee Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at Thurrock has been postponed. We will announce a revised date for the match when we have it. WORCESTER MATCH POSTPONED Heavy snow on Friday morning - leaves pitch under a sea of slush Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at home to Worcester City has been postponed. The heavy snow on Friday morning left the pitch with too much water and snow to accommodate (see above photo taken at 10am on Friday) and a local referee attended the ground at 3.30pm on Friday afternoon and felt there was no chance of the pitch recovering sufficiently for there to be any chance of the game going ahead on Saturday. We will announce a revised date for the match when we have it, but it is likely to be a Tuesday evening in March. NICKY MORGAN REJOINS IRON One of our 'champions' - returns to 'The Family' Braintree Town have re-signed goalkeeper Nicky Morgan from Blue Square Premier side Crawley Town. The 22-year old keeper played 144 games for the Club following his move from Southend United in 2005 and was a member of both our Ryman League championship-winning side and our two Blue Square South play-off sides. Last season, Nicky kept 20 clean sheets as Iron surged from the bottom four to the end of season play-offs, before joining the Sussex club. Welcome back Nick! IRON & ROCKS SHARE THE SPOILS Marksey earns a point - with late header Braintree Town and visitors Bognor Regis Town shared the points in a Blue Square South game of two halves at Cressing Road on Saturday. With a strong easterly wind blowing straight down the pitch from the Quag End, Iron lost the toss and had to play against the conditions during the first half. Keeper Craig Holloway was having trouble reaching the halfway line with his kicking and the visitors pushed forward with confidence. Bognor had the better of the first 45 minutes and took a deserved lead on 17 minutes when Downes cut inside on the left and drilled his shot past Holloway from the edge of the box. Iron looked to have levelled on the half hour when Micky Shinn's free-kick was headed home by Danny Hockton, but it was ruled out for offside. After the break Braintree dominated, but struggled to break the sometimes desperate Bognor defence. However, the equaliser finally came on 87 minutes with Sean Marks rising above the Bognor keeper to head home from six yards. In time added on both sides missed chances to steal the points, with Micky Shinn unlucky for Iron and Craig Holloway performing heroics to deny Bognor. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Worcester City this coming Saturday, 7th February, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON CONTACT FA OVER PLAYER PUNISHMENTS Riddle & BQ both face bans - Club asks for explanation The Club can confirm that they have contacted The Football Association's disciplinary department with regard to the particularly severe suspensions imposed on both Brad Quinton and Louis Riddle for their actions against Newport County in October 2008. The Club can confirm that both players pleaded guilty to the charges made against them by The FA and that both submitted written statements to The FA pleading mitigating circumstances and advised that they had already been disciplined by the Club. Following representations by the Club, The FA have now advised that they will provide the Club with details on how they decided upon their punishments and, when this has been received, both the players concerned and the Club will then decide if they should appeal against the severity of the punishments imposed. COMPENSATION TRIBUNAL AWARDS IRON £3,500 Braintree to receive transfer fee for Chris Sullivan - and a sell on clause for any future sale Braintree Town and AFC Wimbledon attended an independent tribunal at The Football Association in Soho Square on Wednesday to discuss compensation for the transfer of former Braintree Town favourite Chris Sullivan, who signed for the Kingsmeadow club last summer. The FA tribunal have ordered that AFC Wimbledon must pay £3,500, together with a further 15% of any subsequent profit from any future transfer. Chairman Lee Harding was delighted with the outcome: "We were very disappointed with the offer of compensation we received from AFC Wimbledon last summer. Chris was an integral part of our successful Blue Square South side that did so well to reach the end of season promotion play-offs last season. He played a total of 47 of our 52 first team matches for us, finishing as our second highest goalscorer. I still believe that, at just twenty-one years of age, Chris has a great future in the game and was to have been a very important part of our Club's future plans. Alas, the conditional offer we received was way below what we felt was fair and reasonable, especially as AFC Wimbledon's salary offer to the player valued him at a level above even our own! It is a shame that we have had to wait some seven months for this to be resolved, but I am delighted that the tribunal have set what I believe to be a fair compensation amount. From a personal viewpoint, Chris is a great lad and we wish him the very best with his future career." IRON TO PAY £1,000 FOR SEAN MARKS Braintree to pay compensation - to Heybridge Swifts Braintree Town and Heybridge Swifts attended an independent tribunal at The Football Association in Soho Square on Wednesday to discuss compensation for the transfer of striker Sean Marks, who signed for Braintree Town last summer. The FA tribunal have ordered that Braintree Town must pay just £1,000. Chairman Lee Harding was pleased with the outcome: "Heybridge valued the player at £3,000, but given that Sean was earning just fifty pounds per week last season and that the Scraley Road club offered the player exactly the same terms for the current season, we could not reconcile their valuation. We believe the tribunal have set a fair compensation amount. Sean has done really well for us this season and has comfortably made the step up to Blue Square South football. I believe he has the natural ability to go even higher and I hope that's at Braintree!" HAWSEY & BQ EARN THE POINTS AT FISHER James puts Iron ahead early on - before Brad doubles up on the hour The Iron put Saturday's defeat at Wimbledon behind them with a committed and hard-working victory at Fisher Athletic on Monday evening. Braintree were ahead after just six minutes when an inch-perfect through ball from Chris Piper found the breaking James Hawes who slipped the ball past the stranded home keeper. Iron dominated for lengthy periods with the Fisher keeper Ashlee Jones making some great saves to deny both Sean Marks from close range and a Billy Burgess bullet header until resistance was broken on the hour mark. With Iron pushing forward for the important second goal, Danny Hockton had his shirt pulled by a home defender in the 18-yard box and Brad Quinton stepped up to drive the resultant spot kick past Jones for 2-0. Fisher were reduced to ten men with ten minutes remaining when Nicky Greene was red-carded for a poor pre-meditated challenge on Sean Marks, who struggled to recover before being substituted. Late on, Fisher did strike a post with a rare sortee, but Braintree always looked like they had another gear to move up to. The victory moves Iron back into the top half of the table, just six points off a promotion play-off place. Next up for Iron is the visit of Bognor Regis Town to Cressing Road for another Blue Square South match this coming Saturday, 31st January, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON OUTCLASSED AT WIMBLEDON Early goals in both halves - leave Braintree with too much to do Braintree Town slipped to their heaviest league defeat of the season going down 5-1 to a very strong Wimbledon side at Kingstonian's Kingsmeadow ground on Saturday. The home side got the best possible start with an early Hatton goal before two strikes from Jon Main on 30 and 37 minutrs put Wimbledon in a strong position. Iron responded with arguably the best goal of the game from Danny Hockton just before the interval. The next goal was always likely to be pivotal and Main completed his hat-trick just two minutes after the re-start to put the game beyond Braintree. Iron continued to push forward and twice tested home keeper Pullen before Lee added a fifth with four minutes remaining to complete the 5-1 score. Next up for Iron is a trip to Fisher Athletic this evening, Monday, 26th January, with kick-off at 7.45pm. NEW DATE FOR BROMLEY TRIP Match at Hayes Lane now scheduled - for a Saturday in March Braintree Town's Blue Square South match at Bromley, scheduled for Saturday, 10th January, but postponed because of a frozen pitch, has now been re-scheduled for Saturday, 14th March, with kick-off at 3pm. LATE EQUALISER DENIES IRON Hockton puts Iron ahead - before Jordan levels in time added on Iron entertained third-placed Eastleigh in a Blue Square South match on Saturday and shared the points with the visitors after a 1-1 draw. The two sides matched each other during the first 45 minutes, but Iron dominated after the break and took a deserved lead on the hour. A superb, inch-perfect pass from Chris Piper unlocked the static Eastleigh defence and found Danny Hockton, who calmly lobbed the visitors 'keeper from close range. Thereafter Iron poured forward in search of a second and both Williams and Hockton had chances well saved by the visitors keeper. The one goal looked to have been enough until a speculative cross in the fourth minute of time added on found the unmarked Jordan at the far post who headed home from close range to give the visitors an unlikely point. Next up for The Iron is a trip to AFC Wimbledon this coming Saturday, 24th January, with kick-off at 3pm. PUBLIC EXHIBITION - A SUCCESS Public view the plans for new stadium - which meet all the Club's needs One District One Vision Consultation - Proposals for The Flitchway Settlement, Braintree Braintree Town Football Club hosted another successful open evening at their Cressing Road clubhouse on Tuesday evening to show the local community the latest plans for the proposed new stadium on land adjacent to Pod's Brook Road, which will form part of the Flitch Way Settlement. Local residents were advised that, while meeting all the Football Club's needs for the foreseeable future, the Flitch Way Settlement is also an opportunity to develop sustainable growth for our town, creating a mixture of new homes and employment opportunities, but with a strong community focus. The evening was well attended with over 100 local residents attending during the public exhibition. While there were a number of comments on the proposed new site, the allocation of a large piece of land to act as a substantial green buffer zone between the new development and the parish of Rayne was well received. The introduction of space for both a school and local easily accessible shops was also welcomed. The site is within walking distance of our town centre and has excellent access to the A120 by-pass around the south of the town. A major feature of the site is the Flitch Way itself, which dissects the site and passes through 15 miles of countryside along the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway in the heart of rural Essex. The Club together with WG Developments will now look at the employment use allocation within the site, as Braintree District Council continue with their consultation process for their Local Development Framework. NEW DATE FOR MAIDENHEAD MATCH Home match with Maidenhead - re-arranged for February. Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at home to Maidenhead United, scheduled for Saturday, 3rd January but postponed because of a frozen pitch, has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 17th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. BROMLEY TRIP POSTPONED Blue Square South fixture at Hayes Lane - postponed at 11am on Saturday Braintree Town's scheduled Blue Square South fixture away to Bromley was postponed at 11am on Saturday morning because of a frozen pitch. MAIDENHEAD MATCH POSTPONED On at 1.30pm but - off 80 minutes later Saturday's match at home to Maidenhead United was postponed. The Match Referee, Mr A S Parker inspected the pitch at 1.30pm with our goalkeeper. He advised us that he was confident that the pitch was playable and that we should start the game. On that basis we opened the turnstiles and advised the media that the game was on. At 2.50pm, he advised that the pitch had deteriorated to such an extent that it was not safe to start. All tickets purchased for the match are valid for the re-arranged date. If you cannot attend the game on the re-arranged date, please return your ticket to the following address and a full refund will be given: Ticket Office (Refunds), Braintree Town Football Club Limited, Cressing Road Stadium, Off Clockhouse Way, Braintree, Essex CM7 3RD SIX WINS FROM SIX AGAINST STORTFORD Pipes and Williams set us up as a - Burnsy classic goal secures three points The Iron travelled the short distance down the A120 for the return of Boxing Day's win on New Year's Day and came away with another three points courtesy of a comfortable three-goal victory. Chris Piper gave Iron the best possible start by drilling home the opener after just four minutes, with the Stortford defence once again offering a helping hand as a deflection wrong-footed home keeper Nicky Eyre. The home side enjoyed plenty of possession and a number of corners but lacked a cutting edge to break down Iron and the slender lead was extended on 36 minutes when Gareth Williams' stinging effort from the edge of the box was spooned into the roof of the net by Eyre. After just three minutes of the re-start Braintree put the outcome beyond reasonable doubt with a sweeping move opening up the home defence to release Lee Burns who drilled his shot into the roof of the home net to the delight of the Iron faithful. Stortford did manage to get the ball past Iron keeper Craig Holloway on 64 minutes, but home defender Matt Jones was subsequently cautioned for punching the ball to 'score' and the 'goal' was ruled out. With Iron comfortable and the home side's confidence low, the lads played out time to extend their Conference South record against Bishop's Stortford over the past three years to: played six, won six! Next up for The Iron is a Blue Square South match at home to Maidenhead United this Saturday, 3rd January, with kick-off at 3pm. BRAINTREE BEAT STORTFORD Goals in each half from Riddle - see Iron win 2-0 Braintree Town entertained near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford on Boxing Day afternoon and claimed the three Blue Square South points by winning 2-0. Iron took the lead on 28 minutes. Gareth Williams was fouled in the visitors 18-yard box and Louis Riddle stepped up to slot the spot kick passed Nicky Eyre. on 71 minutes Louis Riddle doubled his and Braintree's tally. Sean Marks persistence on the left forced a defensive error which gifted a clear scoring chance for Riddle who duly obliged. Next up for The Iron is the return match with near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford at Woodside Park on Thursday afternoon, New Year's Day, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON DENIED ON THE SOUTH COAST Harsh sending off sees Iron - pulled back from two-goal lead The Iron returned from their trip to Dorchester with a point from Saturday's Blue Square South match. Despite the home side having the majority of possession early on, it was Braintree that took the initiative. After 18 minutes Lee Burns burst through the home defence before being hauled down by home captain Kevin Hill on the edge of the home 18-yard box. Gareth Williams stepped up to curl the resultant free-kick into the left corner of the net. On 26 minutes Iron extended their advantage. Chris Piper's pass was well controlled by Williams before he drilled the ball through a sea of legs past the home keeper. The turning point of the game proved to be two lunging challenges on the half hour. First Wayne O'Sullivan broke free wide on the left before being scythed down by a two-footed tackle from behind by Dorchester's Ryan Moss. The Dorchester player escaped with just a caution. Moments later Wayne O'Sullivan seemed to have timed his tackle to perfection when denying a home attack, but was dismissed for being the last man when making his challenge. Even the home side felt that the decision was somewhat harsh given that Wayne did appear to get a touch of the ball. Down to ten men, Braintree brought on new signing Jack Haverson at the break for Danny Hockton and spent the majority of the second half fighting a determined rearguard action. On 66 minutes Dorchester reduced the deficit, after O'Brien's header from Crittenden's corner got the better of Holloway. Iron finally conceded a second in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A desperate punt upfield found Wes Fogden who clipped the ball past Holloway from close range. Next up for The Iron is the visit of near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford to Cressing Road on Boxing Day, Friday, 26th December, with kick-off at 3pm.  NEW STADIUM UPDATE Club support Planning Statement - for Pod's Brook Road Braintree Town Football Club are pleased to support the Planning Statement submitted for the proposed relocation site of the Club on land adjacent to Pod's Brook Road, to be known as The Flitch Way Settlement, to Braintree District Council this morning. The Statement has been submitted in response to the consultation phase initiated by the Council for their One District One Vision Strategy Document for the Development of the District through to 2025. The Football Club have been working with WG Developments for the past two years to deliver a new stadium for the Club, having previously successfully promoted and managed the construction and development for both Bishop's Stortford and Maldon Town football clubs. First and foremost, Braintree Town Football Club is delighted that the relocation of the Club is now being proposed as part of Braintree District Council's One District One Vision Document. Since 2003, the Football Club has maintained an on-going review of its facilities at Cressing Road. With the support of Braintree District Council over the past five years, we have been able to make the improvements necessary to allow us to be promoted from the Ryman League and to remain at our current position in the Football Conference, now just two steps away from The Football League. However, the Football Club are now faced with implementing a further series of improvements to meet the requirements of the Football Association's 'A' grading - required to allow us to progress and be promoted any further in the future. Although it has been our home since 1923, we consider that our existing location is not suitable for what would then become a Football League graded ground. The Club are already aware that the access of hundreds of vehicles down narrow residential roads and the subsequent parking for our existing fixtures causes considerable inconvenience to the local area and, if we were to remain, we fear this will only increase in the future. Also, as well as seeking progress on the pitch, we also aspire, through our Football in the Community Scheme, to work in partnership with our community, to develop an inclusive range of sporting, educational and social opportunities, to improve the quality of life in our home town. To achieve this the Football Club wishes to further expand and improve its facilities. The scale of redevelopment necessary to fulfil the Club's ambitions cannot be accommodated on our existing site and that is another reason why we have decided that relocation to a new site is the way forward. Braintree Town Football Club considers that The Flitch Way Settlement site is the best location for the relocated stadium on account of its location relative to Braintree town centre and the accessibility to the A120. W G Developments and the Football Club have been working together for some time to ensure that the Football Club's needs are taken into account when developing the concept plan for this growth area. We have also listened to Braintree District Council, to the local residents and Rayne Parish Council. We are mindful of the Council's reservations about our site - the ability to deliver and coalescence with Rayne and we believe we have made significant progress on both. First we now have the support not just for the development of the land under Wayne Gold's control, but also the support of the adjacent land-owner. Second, our new plans include a substantial green buffer between the development, either side of the Flitch Way and the parish of Rayne. In summary, the Football Club wish to play an active role in the development of the town that it is proud to represent, but we fear that we cannot progress any further at our existing location. The relocation of the Football Club will enable it to progress in the future and expand the sports facilities we provide and assist in shaping the future of sport and recreation in the District. We believe have addressed Braintree Council's concerns about our proposed side and now believe that the Flitchway Settlement site is the best site for a growth location including a new home for Braintree Town Football Club, and we support those proposals on this basis. We therefore hope that the Council reconsider its choice of growth location. As part of the continuing Football Club consultation with supporters and our community, we will be holding a further public open evening at the Club on Tuesday, 13th January, starting at 7.30pm. Representatives of both the Football Club and W G Developments will be present. Additional information will be placed on the "New Stadium" link above. Club Chairman Lee Harding said: "We are delighted with the support of Braintree District Council, who have included our relocation needs as part of their core strategy. We fully support the Planning Statement submitted by W G Developments and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Cressing Road for our next open evening on Tuesday, 13th January." PANFIELD LANE SITE - CLUB CONCERNS Club not sure of site suitability - plus doubts about additional traffic Braintree Town Football Club have seen the lead story in the Braintree & Witham Times dated 3 December 2008. The Club are concerned about the suitability of the site for the proposed 2,000 homes and the impact that traffic from a football stadium together with the additional homes would create on the already heavily congested Panfield Lane. Club Chairman Lee Harding said: "I share the concerns raised by Braintree councillors David Mann, Moia Thorogood and Tony Everard. I have reservations about the suitability of that location for thousands of extra homes and a new football stadium. Anyone who has tried to use Panfield Lane during the rush hour will share my worries. We are pleased that the need for a new ground is being included but we have not been contacted by the Unex Group, Towerlands Equestrian Centre or planning agents Barton Willmore about our involvement in the proposed site and therefore have no idea as to what is being planned. Looking at the proposed development site, there must be serious doubts about coalescence with the village of Panfield as the proposed area includes land adjacent to Hall Lane, just yards from the Panfield village boundary."
Pre-Season ... | Saturday, 18th July (ko 3pm) Pre-Season Friendly Burnham Ramblers (Away) Saturday, 18th July (ko 3pm) Pre-Season Friendly Canvey Island (Away) Tuesday, 21st July (ko 7.45) Pre-Season Friendly Billericay Town (Away) Saturday, 25th July (ko 3pm) Pre-Season Friendly AFC Sudbury (Away) Monday, 27th July (ko 7.45) Pre-Season Friendly Dagenham & Redbridge (Home) Thursday, 30th July (ko 7.45) Pre-Season Friendly East Thurrock United (Away) Saturday, 1st August (ko 3pm) Pre-Season Friendly Crawley Town (Home) Tuesday, 4th August (ko 7.45) Pre-Season Friendly Halstead Town (Away) How we stand ...  
|