Basildon United complete return from the brink (From Echo)

Bees re-instated to Essex Senior League as revival begins

2:12pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in Billericay Town & Concord Rangers: Conference South By James Colasanti

Basildon United have completed a remarkable turn-around just three months after it was feared they were about to disappear.

The Bees were officially re-instated in the Essex Senior League last night after withdrawing in March due to financial difficulties.

It is the culmination of a terrific rebuilding job at a club which endured a torrid time both on and off the pitch last season.

Outstanding FA fees have been paid, refurbishment works have carried out at their Gardiners Close ground, a new committee has been put in place, and former Ramsden boss Bobby Barnes has been appointed as first team manager.

Barnes said: “It has been a great team effort and it is a credit to everyone who’s been involved.

“Some people said I was mad when I took this job on, but I could see the potential and now it’s all starting to come together.

“The chairman has said there is no pressure for next season because we just want to the club to be a nice, friendly and welcoming club again.

“If I can get the players in I want, I think we can have a good season, but I’ve always said that this is a long term project.

“But the signs are all good and now I just can’t wait for the season to start.”

ESL chairman Rob Errington said the confirmation of Basildon’s place in the league at last night’s meeting was a routine matter.

He said: “They resigned in March to avoid having to pay a big fine and have since said they want to re-join the league, which is great news.

“There was no problem voting to include Basildon in our constitution for the coming season.”

Errington also revealed the ESL will be a 19-club division next season, with Ryman One North-relegated side Great Wakering replacing champions Witham Town, and also the introduction of an East London side London Bari FC, who ground-share with Clapton.

And Basildon will be determined to improve on last season’s bottom-placed finish following a campaign in which they had two different managers and failed to win at home.

The club has also revealed details of their new committee with Paul Smith the chairman, Dave Maxwell treasurer, Dave Cusack trustee, John Moran honorary life president, and Richard Mann secretary.

Barnes’s assistant manager will be Mike Nichol and coach Dean Bartrip.

Basildon have announced three pre-season friendly games; they play Rob Small’s Southminster at James Hornsby School, Laindon, on July 14, Terry Spillane’s Maldon & Tiptree at Gardiners Close on July 21, and then Barnes’ former club Ramsden at Gardiners Close on July 28.

They are also hoping to play Billericay Town on July 24, although this has yet to be confirmed.

l Basildon United will hold an open trial day at James Hornsby High School, Leinster Road, Laindon, between 9am and 12pm on Saturday. Anyone interested can call Bobby Barnes on 07855 047531, or e-mail bobbybarnes1@ gmx.us