Chelmsford City players have successfully completed their first week of pre-season training, but one of last term's promising youngsters is set to join Cambridge City.
Although taking part in the first training session at the ECC sports ground at Writtle on Saturday, 19-year-old midfielder Neil Coburn told City manager Gary Bellamy that he would linking up with former coach Chris Tovey now in charge at Milton Road.
Despite being offered an improved contract, Coburn said he was keen to try his luck at Dr Martens League Premier Division level.
Because he is on contract with City the Cambridge club will have to pay a small fee for his services, plus a sell-on clause.
All of City new signings, including the former Braintree Town pair of Alan Vincent and John Bishop, joined current squad players in this week's training sessions which were taken by Bellamy and involved a new series of fitness programmes.
"I'm pleased with the way we have started and although there is a great deal of hard work still to be done we will be a fitter and stronger team this season," Bellamy said.
City kick off their pre-season friendlies on Tuesday when they go to the Royal Oak ground at Harwich to play the Jewson League side in the Harwich Charity Cup (kick-off 7 30pm), before entertaining Southend United at New Lodge, Billericay tomorrow week.
Supporters are welcomed this Sunday afternoon at Little Waltham's cricket ground (from 2pm) when the first team squad will be donning bats and pads for an inter-club cricket and fun day.
There will be a barbecue and refreshments along with other entertainment and admission is free.
Last Friday some of the City players turned their hand to playing golf when the club staged a tournament at the Crondon Park with several business people as guests.
City midfielder Barry Lakin proved to be a competent golfer by winning the day's stableford and collecting a trophy for his success. The club are now hoping to make this an annual competition.
Meanwhile talks on City's proposed new stadium at Boreham are continuing between club officials and developers Countryside Commercial.
Although further discussions are needed the club hope to have positive news on their plans shortly.
Ryman League Division One side Braintree Town, under new manager Richie Powling, kick off their pre-season friendlies away to Jewson league Division One side Mildenhall Town on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Iron will entertain a strong Cambridge United side at Cressing Road (kick-off 7.45pm) followed by a visit from Billericay Town the following Saturday.
Heybridge Swifts begin their series of friendlies at Scraley Road on Tuesday when Norwich City will be sending a strong side down (kick-off 7.30pm) followed by a visit to a new look Wivenhoe Town side on Saturday week.
Leyton Orient will visit Heybridge on Tuesday, July 27.
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