Chelmsford City have made a move to strengthen their midfield by signing young Leon Bell from neighbours Braintree Town.

City have put in the formal seven days notice of intended approach to the Ryman League Division club for the 21-year-old, and if all goes well he should sign this week.

Currently unable to command a first team place at Cressing Road following the big influx of experienced players, Bell will join other ex-Iron players Paul Catley, John Bishop and Alan Vincent in the City squad.

"He is is young, strong and would fit in with our side and the way we play,'' said City manager Gary Bellamy this week.

City's dreadful performance at Hastings last Saturday, particularly in midfield, accelerated the need for a fresh face and Bellamy hopes that Bell will agree to join City and be part of the squad for the trip to Corby on Saturday.

The manager admitted the players gave a disappointing display at Hastings, saying: "They had their come-uppance and lacked both enthusiasm and discipline. I think it started with the ir attitude when we beat Woodbridge the previous week.

"A few home truths were given afterwards and I think we saw the right reaction to all this against Tonbridge on Monday with a vastly improved all-round performance," he said.

"They are a good side and still had half their premier division side from last season so it was a good test for us.

"We completely dominated the first half and then when they played well in the second we were still able to control the game," he added.

On the sending off of Catley at Hastings - he will only miss the Corby game with his one match suspension - Bellamy said: "He has apologised for it but I think he was a little unfortunate because it was not a vicious or deliberate foul.

"Paul has shown tremendous composure since joining us and I still regard him as the best goalkeeper in the league."

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