BRENTWOOD: Search hots up for more new signings

BRENTWOOD Town manager Carl Griffiths is stepping up his search this week to bring in a new striker and an experienced midfielder to help balance up his first team squad ahead of their first pre-season friendly on Saturday.

"I'm really pleased how the first week's training went and we've some excellent potential players joining our already established players from last season," said Griffiths.

"I still believe my priority areas at the moment are in midfield and up front.

"I'm still hoping to sign the experienced striker I have been talking to but we shall have to wait and see" he said.

"Likewise in midfield I know the kind of experienced player I want but there's no cause for panic as we have plenty of training and friendly matches to have a look at potential signings.

"Also we have some good new but experienced players training with us and they will be given a chance to show what they can do," he said.

Town's first pre-season friendly is this Saturday away to Eton Manor which will be played at Barking FC's ground.

"I will try and give as many players as I can just 45 minutes so we have a slow build up in games and players don't over do it first time out," he explained. "There'll be plenty of opportunities for others to show if they fit the bill."

One of Town's big pre-season friendlies is at the Arena on Tuesday next week when Blue Square Premier side Rushden & Diamonds are the visitors.

"They should be a good test for us early on but again we'll be using several players to give as many a run as we can and hopefully there'll be a good crowd there too," he added.

Typifying the good dressing room atmosphere there is at the club all the players reported for a training session at 6 30am last Saturday!

"There were a few moans when the starting time was originally announced but credit to them they all turned up, worked hard for an hour and a half and were away by 7 30am," said Griffiths.

"We knew it was going to be a hot day so it we felt it was a good idea to get them early and then they had to the rest of the day to do as they pleased in the hot weather."

Town also know who they will facing in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on Saturday August 29 with a tough away match at East Thurrock Utd.

"It would have been nice to have had a home game and against a lesser club but it will be a good local derby match, should attract a good crowd and we should make some money from it too as the gate is always shared," he said.

"We know it will be difficult over there and we also know we have to still play them in the league twice.

"Like any club at our level we want to have a cup run because it generates interest and can boost the club overall," added Griffiths.

Town also face another tough opening Preliminary Round FA Trophy tie on October 3 when they entertain Great Wakering Rovers.

"The winners of that tie then goes to AFC Hornchurch in the First Qualifying Round on October 17," he said.

"But we'll have everything to play for and of course our priority is to make promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division."

Griffiths is clearly a man on a mission and Brentwood fans will hope he can inspire them to a successful campaign.