The appointment of Ben Embery as their new manager was confirmed by Braintree Town and he took charge of the team for the First time for the visit to Worthing on Saturday.

Once it had been announced that Iron were seeking a replacement for John Bennett who resigned recently, top of the list of likely candidates was Embery.

He had impressed the Braintree Board when interviewed 12 months earlier at the time that Richie Powling was given the job and therefore was always a favourite choice this time around.

Well experienced in club management 55-year-old Embery has spent the last six years at Maldon Town where he had guided them from the Essex Senior League through the Jewson First Division and into the Premier Division where they are currently in mid-table.

Before that he had a lot to do with the successful emergence of Great Wakering Rovers who this year will gain promotion to the Ryman Division Two at the first attempt.

In his younger days Embery began his football career in the 1960s at Tottenham Hotspur where he spent six years and got into the Spurs Reserves side.

Moving on to Exeter City he made 40 Football League appearances during his stay with the Devon club.

From there he went to Barnet with whom he made a Wembley appearance in the FA Trophy Final of 1972.

A firm believer in bringing players through the ranks of Reserve and Youth teams, Embery is confident of being able to help Braintree to recover from an unsuccessful and disappointing year and to put them back on track for another tilt at promotion next season.

Joining him on the management team at Cressing Road will be his assistant of 15 years Steve Jackson while Ken Varney has also indicated that he is willing to continue as coach if required.

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