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New Signings: Barnes and Bertram

New Signings: Barnes and Bertram

Marc Williams31 Jul 2022 - 09:46

Duo arrive after impressive pre-season...

After successful trial periods throughout pre-season, we have today completed the signings of Josh Barnes and Riece Bertram.

Barnes - one of six academy prospects released by Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2021-22 season having been at the club since he was eight years old - signs on a two-year deal.

He was a fairly constant figure in Andy Reid's Under-23s squad last season, making 13 starts in 23 appearances as they finished fourth in the Premier League 2, Division 2.

The midfielder made a handful of senior appearances for the Reds under then-manager Chris Hughton and spent part of the last campaign in Cornwall, on loan at Truro City where he made his National League South debut against Salisbury.

30-year-old Bertram returns to United after arriving at Greenwich Avenue back in 2016, quickly becoming a firm fans favourite.

Spells at Towns Carlton, Belper and Ilkeston all followed, and the tough-tackling midfielder offers versatility to Mark Clifford’s squad; adaptable, too, in defence.

A cult hero in Derbyshire, Bertram scored the winner for the Nailers in a 1-0 play-off win over Chasetown back in May, which saw them promoted to the Northern Premier League, Premier Division for the first time.

Both have been impressive during our pre-season campaigns and will be available for selection for Saturday’s Southern Premier League opener at Royston Town.

Clifford said: “I’m really pleased to add both Riece and Josh to our squad. They add quality, flexibility, and depth to our squad and have shown their worth in recent matches and training.

“As late additions to our pre-season squad, I am really pleased with the group and strength-in-depth as we now turn all eyes to Saturday’s trip to Royston.”

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