Pic: David Simpson
BILLERICAY TOWN have started their summer recruitment with the big signing of experienced Boreham Wood defender Matt Paine.
Paine, 29, joined Boreham Wood last summer following six years with Braintree, making 180 appearances in Non-League's top-flight and helping the Iron finish third in 2015-16.
He was named Wood's vice-captain after signing and was an ever present for Luke Garrard, making 43 appearances in the National League.
However, due to a change in his circumstances, Paine asked to leave Wood – who train in the morning – and a bid from big-spending Billericay was accepted.
The Blues, owned by Glenn Tamplin, have already brought in the likes of Paul Konchesky and Jamie O'Hara and will be hot favourites to win the Ryman Premier next term.
Billericay finished just outside the play-off places last season but Tamplin will be expecting much more next year and the addition of Paine could prove to be key.
Wood chairman Danny Hunter said: “Matt is a truly fabulous guy, was a big player for us and somebody who we wanted to keep hold of.
“Unfortunately in life circumstances can change quickly and with Matt living in Ipswich, with him getting married this summer, he was recently offered the chance to join his local police force and he accepted that offer.
“As such It became clear that our day time training programme would not be possible for him. Once Luke Garrard (manager) knew of the change in Matt's circumstance, he felt it was important for us to do what was right for the club, what was right for our squad rebuild and what was right for the player as early as possible.
“As such we put him on the transfer list last week and Billericay Town and others very quickly showed their interest. I must say both Matt's agent, Billericay Town and their owner Glenn Tamplin were very professional from the outset and a very simple deal was done that suited all parties.
“Billericay have themselves a very good player and a genuine leader who will put his body on the line for their cause. On our part we genuinely wish Matt Paine, his wonderful family and everyone connected with his new club Billericay Town nothing but success for next season and in the future.”
