JAMIE DAY has further strengthened his Braintree Town squad ahead of the new National League campaign.
The Iron have lost a number of last season's squad, that finished third, following Danny Cowley's departure to league rivals Lincoln City.
And Day has started to rebuild his side, bringing in experienced striker Lee Barnard who ended last season with League Two side Crawley Town.
The 31-year-old started his career at Tottenham but made his name with Southend United and then Southampton before he returned to the Shrimpers in the summer of 2014.
After a season back in Essex, he signed for Crawley but was released at the end of the season following just one goal in 31 appearances.
Also joining the Iron is left-sided player Craig Braham-Barrett from National League rivals Dover Athletic. The ex-Cheltenham Town man signed for Dover in March after leaving Ebbsfleet United.
He became a key part of the Whites side towards the end of the season but missed both play-off semi-final matches against Forest Green before being released.
On his new signings, Day told the Braintree website: “Lee's got bags of experience, played plenty of League football and scored nearly 80 goals at that level. He'll be a great addition to the squad and I'm looking forward to working with him.
“Craig's played a lot of his football on the left in defensive roles, but I do see him pushing further forward for us. He has great pace and is a very direct player.
“He knows this level and League Two well and is a player with a bit of a point to prove. He certainly has the hunger I'm looking for.”
Day has also announced that he has signed a 22-year-old defender from a Championship club but his name has not yet been disclosed as he is still under contract.
