Central defender John Bishop has signed for Chelmsford City despite recent unfounded speculation that he might return to his former club, Braintree Town.

City manager Gary Bellamy confirmed that the player would be staying with the club and he said he was delighted at Bishop's decision.

"John did extremely well for us at the latter part of last season and I know he will do likewise again in the coming campaign," he said.

As the manager continues to sort out and finalise his squad for the August 19 start in the Dr Martens League Eastern Division, some of the young trialists involved in early games have been released.

"We have one or two injuries at present but I would rather have them now than in the middle of the season," he said. "None are serious, only minor ones and hopefully everybody will be fit for the Manchester United game tomorrow week."

Bellamy added that he was pleased the way training had also been going and he had tried several innovations with a particular emphasis on players working for each other.

"There's still work to do but we shall be ready and waiting for the league kick off." he added.

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