Dave McSweeney has accepted a move to Grays Athletic in the Blue Square Premier.

Brain Statham said "From the minute I arrived at Billericay I'd identified Dave as a player I want to keep as part of the backbone of the team, so I'm naturally sorry to see him go. I can understand that he feels he can't refuse this offer though, and we wish him well."

Dave McSweeney said "I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Billericay. I’ve really enjoyed my time there and will be sad to leave, everyone at the club has been great to me, I hope next season goes well for you. The Club deserves to be at a higher level than what it is, thanks again for everything, all the best. David" 

Jo Flack's move to Braintree Town has broken down, and as a result he will be staying at New Lodge next season.

Brian Statham said "Jo had said that he wouldn't have signed for anybody else in our division, and that the only reason he'd wanted a move was to test himself at a higher level. Although I was obviously disappointed in this, I understood. Ultimately though, Braintree's offer was substantially lower than our valuation, and as a result Jo will be staying. He now has an excellent opportunity to show his class this season, as he will be a free agent at the end of it, and will have his pick of clubs.

I'm obviously pleased Jo's staying, because finding proven goalscorers is a difficult task, and if he is at peak fitness, I expect him to be one of the top two goalscorers in the league next year.

The players are two weeks into a six week summer fitness programme, so I'm expecting them back raring to go on July 2nd when training resumes."

Next season, Paul Moody will be taking charge of the Under 18s, while John Mifsud manages the Reserves (assisted by Paul).

Paul is looking for an assistant to help him with the Under 18s. If you are interested, and have a Level 2 coaching badge and/or good coaching experience, please contact Paul on 07766 163021.

The Clubhouse will be open this Saturday afternoon from 13:00 and will be showing the F.A. Cup Final between Chelsea and Everton live on the big screen.

If you're helping out with the DIY work between 10:00 and 14:00, why not stay on and watch the game.  For those unable to help, you are still welcome to come down to the club and enjoy the game with your fellow supporters.

Billericay Town have signed 27 year-old goalkeeper Andy Walker. Walker spent last season at Maidstone United, where he was voted player of the season. Prior to that he had spent 4 years at Bromley, helping them to two promotions and two Kent Senior Cups.

Andy's other former teams include Colchester United, Exeter City, Tonbridge Angels, Doncaster Rovers and Wingate & Finchley.

Manager Brian Statham said "Andy is a very, very good goalkeeper, with an abundance of experience at this level. We've been working on this deal for a couple of weeks, ever since Maidstone released him due to budget cuts. Maidstone had the third best defensive record in the league last season, it was scoring goals which let them down. Working with Andy will also be great experience for Jack (Buckfield)."

The current recession seems to be hitting football hard with many clubs in financial difficulty.

Although I don't want to see any clubs suffer or go out of business, and I do genuinely wish them and their fans all the best, I can't help feeling that it's for the best.  In the past it's been too easy for certain clubs to pay over the odds for players, and unfairly in my view take points from clubs who have done things properly.  I hope things settle down now and the majority of clubs will only pay out what they can afford, because this will be to the benefit of everyone.

Billericay Town Ladies failed in their bid for promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Taverham Ladies at Woodbridge Town's ground in Suffolk.

Taverham's goal was scored by Laura Sutton four minutes from the end of extra-time.

Photos to follow.

Jo Flack has decided to quit Billericay Town, and looks set to follow Matt Game and Lynvall Duncan to local rivals Braintree Town.

Brian Statham said "We've been in discusssion with Jo for several weeks, and we are clearly disappointed that he is going.  The Chairman and I have been working very hard to convince him to stay. We offered him the best deal we could, but ultimately Jo has decided that a move is best for him."

Since Flack is under 24, Billericay Town will be due financial compensation from whichever team he signs for.