KYRELL Lisbie has signed for Braintree Town.

Lisbie, the son of former Colchester United striker Kevin Lisbie, has joined the newly-promoted National League club ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

The 20-year-old winger hit the headlines last November when he scored a penalty for non-league side Cray Valley Paper Mills in an FA Cup tie against League One team Charlton Athletic, in front of his watching Dad and a national TV audience of millions.

READ MORE: Former Colchester United defender joins new A League club

Lisbie told the Braintree Town website: "I'm pleased to be here.

"It's a real honour to be here.

"I had an amazing season at Cray Valley last season but I think this is an opportunity that I couldn't pass down.

"To go from Step Four to Step One is something I'm really proud of and my family as well, so it's amazing to be here."

 

Having played in the academy for West Ham United and Watford as a youngster, Lisbie joined Welling United in January, 2023.

The striker then joined Cray Valley last August and had a prolific season, scoring 29 goals in 44 appearances.

He won the Millers' top goalscorer and Young Player of the Year award but will now look to show off his skills for Braintree, in the National League.

Gazette: Kevin Lisbie

Lisbie follows in the footsteps of his famous father Kevin but insists he doesn't feel any pressure from that.

He said: "My dad played at a high level and has a lot of experience and I feel like a sponge, with all of the experience he has for me and all of the life lessons in football, on and off the pitch.

"I'm always listening and asking for advice, so I don't feel like there's an element of pressure.

"From certain people, there's a level of expectation which I get to a certain extent but there's no pressure really and I think my dad has reiterated that and just let me know that I have to go out there and make my own name for myself."

 

Lisbie Snr joined Colchester in the summer of 2007 and finished as their top scorer in their second Championship season with 17 goals, in his first season at the club.

He left to join neighbours Ipswich Town the following summer but re-joined the U’s on loan in August 2009, scoring 13 goals in 43 appearances.

Braintree have also signed midfielder James Vennings.

The 23-year-old has signed from League Two new boys, Bromley.

Vennings, an England C international, started his career at Charlton Athletic and has also had two loan spells at Aldershot Town.