LEE HARDING has promised returning hero Bradley Quinton time to rebuild relegated Braintree Town.
The club’s record appearance holder and fans’ favourite is back at Cressing Road after departing Enfield Town, a club he led to the Ryman Premier play-offs last season.
The 37-year-old played 546 games for the club and will now return to replace Hakan Hayrettin, who wasn’t kept on following the Iron’s final-day relegation.
Town are back in the National League South having won the division in 2011. Quinton was part of that team, but knows a strong connection with the club isn’t going to make things any easier for him.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to a club where I played for most of my career,” he said. “I’m really enjoying management and it feels right to come back to a club where I spent so many enjoyable years.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of all of us, but it’s a league I know well, have won it as a player. The supporters, so many of whom have become close friends over the past 15 years, know their support and patience will be vital as there’s a long journey ahead of us.
“I’ll be looking to bring in good quality young players that will be fit, hungry and 100 per cent committed. Everyone in the dressing room will be entirely focused on bringing success.”
His chairman admits mistakes in previous appointments, but feels the returning Quinton will be a crowd pleaser – and will give him time to prove it.
Harding said: “Brad is someone that has been instrumental in building Braintree from the foot of the Ryman League to the top tier of Non-League football from 2002 to 2013.
“But while I’m sure we will all welcome a true Iron back to our club, his appointment is based entirely on merit.
“Fortunately Brad has been an integral part of many successful Braintree sides and knows exactly what is needed to turn our fortunes around after two disruptive campaigns. From the boardroom he will receive our support and patience.”
Harding added: “But we must not gloss over the challenges that lie ahead. The majority of last season’s relegated side have been released and a re-building process will begin afresh.”
Although sad to see Brad leave Enfield Town, I wish him every success going back to his old club, to re build the team and lead them on to future success.