CHELMSFORD: City set to complete first summer signing

By dward

CHELMSFORD City are on the verge of making their first major new signing for next season by capturing goalkeeper Craig Holloway from Blue Square South rivals Braintree Town.

The 24 year-old former Arsenal trainee, who spent last season at Cressing Road, was expected to move up to either a Conference Premier or Coca-Cola League side.

Both Aldershot Town and Hereford United had been in talks with the 'keeper who said he was keen to return to full-time football at a higher level, but it's understood he's now keen to join City.

Prior to joining the Iron at the start of last season he had played for Ebbsfleet United, Farnborough Town and Southend United.

City axed last season's regular goalkeeper Danny Gay, who had also previously played for the Iron, earlier this month along with six other first team players.

City manager Jeff King and his backroom team continue to talk to "several important potential new signings to strengthen the side" but won't reveal names until they have agreed deals to join the Clarets.

He said on Wednesday: "We continue to speak to many players and yes that includes Holloway because as everyone knows we need a replacement goalkeeper.

"We've also agreed to sign a young striker with a good goalscoring record and hope to have the deal tied up with his club possibly next week," he said. "There are others too but it's early days to confirm any and these things take time."

There was also further good news this week for City fans with chairman, Mansell Wallace, confirming the board's decision to freeze admission prices to all Blue Square South home games for the next season "to reward the club's loyal fan-base."

"With the economic climate as it is, and knowing that our club's fans support the team all the way both on and off the pitch, we're delighted to confirm that admission prices won't increase for season tickets or on a game-by-game basis," Wallace said. "Our supporters are an important part of this club and we want to help them help us wherever we can."

The chairman has also said that any season tickets bought prior to the end of June will give fans free admission to all the pre-season friendlies.

Meanwhile ex-City midfielder 28-year-old Danny Slatter, a former Welsh Under-21 international, has signed for Billericay Town.