23 Aug #Chelmsford: @OfficialClarets Strengthen Squad Ahead of Maidenhead Trip Club News
THE CLARETS are pleased to confirm the signings of midfielder Josh Rees and goalkeeper Colan Balkwell ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Maidenhead United.
American Colan Balkwell has been training with Chelmsford throughout the summer and featured in a number of friendly matches in the build up to the new campaign.
The New York native, who has played for College sides SUNY Oneonto Red Dragons and Saint Rose Golden Knights, has had to wait for international clearance before being officially unveiled as a Claret and he will now go straight into tomorrow’s squad to challenge Joe Welch for the number one shirt.
Josh Rees has been brought in to fill the void that has been left by a number of injuries in the opening games of the season which has seen Billy Bricknell, Mark Haines, Max Cornhill and Robbie Willmott all pick up knocks that could see them miss out tomorrow at York Road.
Rees began as a school boy at Arsenal before joining the youth set up at Nottingham Forest, going on to the make one senior appearance for the Championship side in a 2-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 22-year-old went out on loan to Torquay United in January and made 18 appearances for the Gulls to help them stave off relegation from the National League Premier, having also had a loan spell with Nuneaton the season before.
Both players are available to be selected against Maidenhead United tomorrow, with Rod Stringer looking for a reaction from his side following Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to St. Albans.
