BILLERICAY Town are ‘building for tomorrow as well as today’.

That is the view of manager and owner Glenn Tamplin, after he unveiled two young prospects yesterday.

Charlie Cole and Brendan Ocran have linked up with steel tycoon Tamplin at the AGP Arena ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

Cole, 23, joins from Takeley, where he scored a staggering 59 goals in 50 appearances last season for the Essex Senior League side - breaking a record set by now Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle. Wing-back Ocran, 19, moves to Town from Colchester United, having been a regular for their Under-23 team last season.

And Tamplin said he is hugely excited at their potential.

“I am really pleased to be able to welcome Charlie and Brendan to the club,” he said.

“These are two very talented young players that I hope can play a big role at this club.

“Charlie’s record for Takeley last season was incredible and he is a goalscorer which is what every team needs. He scored more goals for Takeley last season than Dwight Gayle did for Stansted when he set the Essex Senior League scoring record in 2010/11.

“Brendan is a wing-back that will offer us another option. He is quick and strong and he is another I have high hopes for.”

Cole, who enjoyed a spell with Isthmian North side Thurrock in 2015, took to Twitter to express his delight at making the move.

He said: “Buzzing to sign for @BTFC massive things happening at the club and happy to be a part of it, can’t wait to get started.”

It is believed that Cole’s goalscoring antics caught the eye of National League and League Two clubs in the last few months, having also trialled at Stevenage.

And Tamplin added that the two were drawn to Billericay by the hype currently surrounding the club. The multi-millionaire is pouring £25,000 a week into the club and he added that the youngsters would be able to stake their claim for a first-team spot in the upcoming pre-season friendlies.

“These are youngsters that clubs in the Football League were after,” he said.

“They have seen the media attention around the club and facilities and believe it is a shop window for them.

“I want people to see this is not just about the first-team, but strengthening the club for the future as well.

“I want to sign some more youth players, under the age of 22, with serious potential.

“And if they shine in the friendlies, they will become first team players and we will send first-team players out on loan. It is not just about today but tomorrow as well.”

Tamplin will hope the additions can continue to strengthen an already talented group of youngsters - after the Under-21s won the Champion of Champions last season.