BILLERICAY TOWN have confirmed the signing of former England left-back Paul Konchesky but the big-spending side have seen manager Craig Edwards step down.
Billericay owner Glenn Tamplin had been teasing a big signing all week with rumours it would be ex-West Ham, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester defender Konchesky.
The move was finally confirmed on Thursday evening as Konchesky, 35, was shown off to supporters and the media at the club’s New Lodge home.
The evening was tinged with sadness however, with manager Edwards leaving the club after claiming owner Tamplin had “broken promises”.
Edwards took charge of the Blues in April 2010 and guided them to Essex Senior Cup glory as well as the Ryman Premier title in 2011-12.
The Billericay squad has seen a raft of changes since Tamplin took charge, with the new owner funding a number of high-profile signings.
Konchesky, who made 20 appearances for League One side Gillingham this season, is the latest but the defender, capped twice by England, will not be playing under Edwards.
Tamplin says he will take charge of the side himself for the rest of the season as the Blues look to work their way into the Step 3 division’s play-offs.
On his move to Essex, Konchesky said: “My contract was up at Gillingham and I always had the intention of retiring – I am retiring from professional football.
“The ambition of the man (Tamplin) and what he wants to do with this football club is phenomenal. It’s a massive challenge for me to come here but I wanted to be part of this.
“He wants to get this club into the Football League in four years. He’s in a hurry and I don’t think he’ll stop until he achieves it.
“I never thought I’d play football at this level. I can tell you now, this is not money orientated. I was going to retire and be at home doing nothing. When you get a call about a big project, you want to be involved.”
