BRANTHAM Athletic have snapped up former Stanway Rovers and Brightlingsea Regent striker Michael Brothers.

And the experienced front man has agreed to join as player-coach.

Brothers was a pivotal figure for Needham Market last season and helped the Suffolk club win promotion to the Ryman Premier.

However, he has now been tempted to join his local club and will be helping them try to build on last season’s strong finish to the Thurlow Nunn League campaign.

“Michael’s circumstances have changed and we’re delighted he’s agreed to join us,” said Imps boss Paul Skingley.

“He’s a proven striker at a higher level with lots of attributes.

“He’s experienced, knows what’s required and will hopefully relish the added responsibility of being a coach.

“He also bring with him a big network of non-league contacts.

“Michael was an instrumental player for Needham last season and if he performs to those same standards for us, we’ll have a great signing on our hands.”

Skingley is hoping to add four or five other new faces to his squad for next season.

Former Needham Market loanees Brendan Heath and Adam Mills are not returning, while highly-rated youngster Michael Shaikly is set to start a scholarship in America.

“We didn’t have the biggest squad to start with,” said the Brantham boss.

“Given that we’ll also be without those three, that’s why we’re looking at bringing in four or five new faces.

“We feel we need to strengthen the squad and give ourselves a bit of cover.

“But it’s hard to say much more at this point in time, because it’s all a bit of a merry-go-round until the league registration forms are out.

“It’s all verbal. Players may say one thing but we all know things can change.

“That’s football and I understand that.

“I’m not going to fall out with anyone, but until players turn up for pre-season training and can show a bit of commitment, I don’t like to name names.”

Meanwhile, Brantham have confirmed details of their pre-season schedule.

The Imps have confirmed six friendlies and five of them are at home.

They will host AFC Sudbury on July 7, Colchester United’s under-21s on July 10, Leiston on July 14, Needham Market on July 25 and Burnham Ramblers on July 28.

They are also playing ambitious Essex and Suffolk Border League neighbours Little Oakley on August 1.

A venue for that match is still to be confirmed.

“There’s a really nice mix of matches and some good challenges in that schedule,” said Skingley.

“They’ll give us a real gauge of what we need to do to try and achieve what we hope to achieve next season.

“Players will have a chance to step up and stake a claim and hopefully by the start of the season I’ll have a really good idea of my strongest side.”

Brantham’s reserves have also announced their friendlies.

Fixtures: July 18 - away to Dedham Old Boys; July 22 - v Holland FC (venue TBC); August 1 - away to Harwich & Parkeston; August 4 - home to Achilles (Ipswich); August 8 - v Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves (venue TBC); August 12 - home to East Bergholt.