Pic: Andy Nunn
BILLERICAY TOWN owner Glenn Tamplin claims new signing Sam Deering turned down an offer from the Football League to sign for the Blues.
Billericay are in the midst of a revolution under millionaire owner Tamplin, who grabbed headlines with the signings of former England international Paul Konchesky and ex-Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara.
The Bostik Premier outfit have continued to add to their ranks this summer with the likes of Boreham Wood defender Matt Paine, Dover winger Ricky Modeste, Wrexham midfielder Rob Evans and Chelmsford forward Louie Theophanous.
Deering is the latest big name to sign up, turning down a new contract at National League newcomers Ebbsfleet United in favour of a move to Essex.
Deering was Fleet’s man of the match as they beat Chelmsford in the National League South promotion final in May – a performance that caught Tamplin’s eye.
Tamplin told Echo News: “He was the difference in the play-off final and turned the game around when Ebbsfleet only had ten players.
“I actually went to the game to watch Theo (Louie Theophanous) and didn’t know about Sam before that. But he more than caught my eye that day.
“He rung me up and told me his best offer and I told him I would match it.
“He has agreed and it is great news for the club as he was also offered a contract in the Football League. But they are full-time and we are part-time.
“I am giving him a job in one of my offices. He wants to be an estimator (in the construction industry) after his football days are over and I will help him with that.
Deering had previously been announced as a Billericay player in May, while still under contract with Ebbsfleet, and club chairman Dan Groves later issued an apology.
