FORMER Colchester United left-back Ryan Clampin has signed for National League new boys Braintree Town.

The 25-year-old has become the Iron's first signing since their promotion from National League South, after putting pen to paper on a deal at Cressing Road.

Clampin was a free agent, following his departure from National League side Eastleigh at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract.

 

The former U's academy player spent a year with the Spitfires after joining them last summer following his departure from the U's.

Clampin told Braintree Town FC: "I've known Angelo (Harrop) for a long time.

"We've been speaking about this for a few months now and it's nice to get it over the line.

"I look forward to seeing you all at the first game of the season."

Clampin made 15 appearances for Eastleigh in the National League, as they finished 13th in the table.

He also made two cup appearances for Eastleigh, whose manager Kelvin Davis has just signed a new three-year deal at the Silverlake Stadium.

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The Colchester-born defender was one of a number of players released by the U's at the end of the 2022-23 season, bringing the curtain down on his 16-year association with the club.

 

Clampin said: "It's a competitive league.

"There's a few real good teams in there, a few forgettable teams as well.

"But overall, it's a good league, a good standard and I know they'll look forward to watching it."

Clampin made 66 league and cup appearances for the U's, after making his senior debut for them in September, 2018.

The former U’s youth teamer clocked up 18 league and cup appearances for the U’s in the 2022-23 season, following his recovery from a long-term injury.

Clampin spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Dundee, whom he helped land the Scottish Championship title.