OLLIE Blackwell, a regular for Maldon Town in the Ryman League division one north last season, has agreed terms with AFC Sudbury manager Nicky Smith.
The 24-year-old defender, a former Colchester United youth team captain, has also had spells with Braintree and Heybridge Swifts.
Smith has had further talks with Gareth Heath, but the player has yet to make a decision on re-signing.
AFC's defe
nce and midfield are gradually taking shape, and Smith expects to have the goalkeeping position settled shortly, with two keepers, one with a wealth of experience, joining pre-season training.
His hunt for strikers continues, two having turned down moves to AFC. Danny Bloomfield has re-signed for King's Lynn. Tom Webb, released by Colchester United, has decided to take up the offer of a two-year Glenn Hoddle academy course.
But Smith is not unduly concerned. "We will have to be patient and play a waiting game," he said. "I know there will be a lot of player movement over the next few weeks."
Training starts at Sudbury Sports Centre next week, and Smith and assistant manager Chris Tracey have issued a welcome to any player who would like to play for AFC to attend the first two sessions, on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.
Stuart Boardley, David Head and Shane Wardley, who all declined offers from AFC, have signed two-year contracts with Ridgeons League premier division Leiston.
AFC's annual general meeting will be held at the King's Marsh Stadium clubhouse on Wednesday, July 9 at 7.30pm.
Week 7 winners of the AFC Gold fundraiser: £100 – H Walker (281), Brunwin Road, Rayne; £10 – K Poole (255), Bush Grove, Sudbury; £10 – T Watson (129), Rectory Road, Gt Cornard.
The full article contains 293 words and appears in Suffolk Free Press newspaper.
