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Portman Road side now visit on Tuesday, 18th August Braintree Town's National League Cup tie at home to Ipswich Town will now take place 24 hours earlier as our opponents have switched another fixture for the Tuesday to a new date. Kick off on Tuesday, 18th August, will be 7.30pm. Embargo ends as Club looks forward to 2026/27 SELL ON PAYMENT & EMBARGO The Club can confirm that it will be receiving its sell-on payments for the transfer of a former player in instalments and that these payments will assist the Club with its cash flow through to 2028. The first payment has been received and this, together with the support from others, has allowed the Club to settle the embargo applied by the National League back in May. Confirmation has now been received from the National League and the Club would like to thank those that have helped to ensure that we are now once again able to sign players for the coming season. EGM NEWS & NEW INVESTMENT The Club's board is continuing its efforts to attract new people and new investment to the Club. A recent Extraordinary General Meeting at the Club saw proposals that the Club could change its Memorandum and Articles of Association to attract new share investment unanimously approved by shareholders. This paves the way for the Club to attract substantial investment to build for the future, subject to National League approval. To date, the Club has spoken to a number of interested parties and discussions continue to attract suitable people and funding to help the Club move forward. FIFA WORLD CUP PAYMENT Sadly, hopes of a further additional windfall from the FIFA World Cup Club Benefits Programme have been delayed. Despite assurances that payments would be made immediately after the World Cup was completed, we understand that FIFA have made the arbitrary decision to defer payments via our Football Association to the end of the year! This delay is similar to the continuing delay being encountered by the Club for the repayment of salary due from almost 2 years ago when a former Club player trained with and played for Gibraltar in the European Nations League. Although absent from the Club while training and playing, the Club continued to pay the player's salary and we understand that payment for this has been released by UEFA but, nearly two years later, we are yet to receive any payment from the FA. LOOKING AHEAD Looking ahead to the forthcoming season, this will be the third time in the last ten years that the Club will be regrouping and striving to bounce back following relegation from the National League to the South Division. Each time we have been relegated, the Club has regrouped and secured a return to the top tier of non-League football with promotion via the end of season play-offs. A return to the top tier will be our target once again. NEW PLAYING KIT We hope to have our new playing kit on display this Thursday evening in the Clubhouse and it is hoped that the kit will be available for sale either from the Club Shop or via online sales page on the Club website. With thanks to our kit suppliers at Andreas Carter Sports, prices for next season will remain unchanged at £45 for an adult shirt and £40 for a youngster's shirt. SEASON TICKETS Supporters who wish to collect their season ticket can do so this week from the Clubhouse on Thursday or Friday evening from 7pm until 10 pm and any unclaimed season tickets will be available for collection on Saturday from Gate 5. MATCHDAY ADMISSION For the coming season, match day admission, via card or cash at turnstiles 1-4, will be reduced to Adults - £18, Concessions - £14, Under 18's - £8 and Under 12's free - if accompanied by an adult - or £4 otherwise. NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP We now have news of the National League Cup. As semi-finalists and quarter-finalists in the last two years competitions, we have been invited to once again enter the competition, despite our relegation. At the initial stage, we have bee drawn in an interesting group that includes Ipswich Town, Fulham, West Ham United and Norwich City - and the dates of these matches are included on our 'Games' page. WITH BIGGEST-EVER NATIONAL LEAGUE COVERAGE AS PROPER FOOTBALL IS BACK FOR 2026/27 DAZN will once again be the exclusive global broadcaster of the National League, delivering its most comprehensive live coverage ever in the UK. DAZN to show every National League team 30+ times live this season with record-breaking 2026/27 coverage. Every National League match will continue to be available live globally New Pricing Plans Unveiled National League football is back. And for the 2026/27 season, DAZN is returning with its biggest-ever coverage of the National League, giving fans in the UK more opportunities than ever to watch their team live.Entering its third year as the exclusive global broadcaster of the competition, DAZN will deliver its most comprehensive live coverage of the National League in the UK to date. Every National League club will feature live more than 30 times live across the season, with more than 400 matches broadcast live across the National League, National League North and National League South, including at least four live fixtures every match week. The opening month of the season will see unprecedented coverage in the UK, with every National League match across the first five match weeks - a total of 60 games in August - available live on DAZN. In addition, new fixture scheduling will see regular Friday night games for the first time ever. " Supporters in the UK will also have access to highlights and full match replays of every National League fixture. The National League remains the home of Proper Football - authentic rivalries, packed terraces, local pride and drama that matters. DAZN's expanded coverage means supporters will be able to experience more of those moments than ever before. As the exclusive global home of the National League, every National League match will be available live to fans around the world, alongside highlights and full match replays of every game on demand. DAZN's Chief Executive Officer Shay Segev says; "The National League embodies everything that makes football special - passionate supporters, historic clubs, fierce rivalries and unforgettable moments. As we enter our third season as the exclusive global home of the National League, we're proud to deliver our biggest and most ambitious coverage yet, giving fans more opportunities than ever to follow their club live. This season represents a major step forward, with every National League club set to feature live more than 30 times and unprecedented coverage across the opening month of the campaign. Whether you're watching from the terraces, your living room or anywhere else in the world, DAZN is bringing supporters closer to the action and the stories that make this competition so compelling. We're looking forward to showcasing all the drama, authenticity and community spirit of the National League to audiences across the UK and around the globe." Supporters can choose from a range of flexible viewing options for the 2026/27 National League season. The Season Pass is available for £129.99, offering live access to every National League match throughout the campaign (or on demand where blackout restrictions apply), with more than 400 exclusive live matches, every play-off fixture and final across all three divisions, full match replays and highlights, plus a selection of live National League North and South matches. Fans can also spread the cost with an Annual (Pay Monthly) plan at £14.99 per month, or opt for the flexibility of a Monthly Pass at £19.99 per month. With local derbies, promotion six-pointers, relegation battles and last-minute winners, the National League delivers the football experience supporters fell in love with in the first place. This season, fans can follow their club more than ever before with DAZN's biggest National League offering yet - because this is Proper Football, live and exclusively on National League TV on DAZN. How to Watch the National League on DAZN DAZN is the home of the National League, streaming over 600 games a season live and on demand. Watching on DAZN is simple and easy. Get started: 1. Download the DAZN app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, console, or streaming device - or visit www.DAZN.com 2. Create an account or log in. 3. Select the National League and choose your subscription plan (Annual or Monthly Flex). -Watch live or on demand, anytime, anywhere. -Need help? Visit the DAZN Support Page. Iron visit to Stanway postponed Braintree Town's proposed friendly at Stanway Rovers this Thursday, 30th July, has been postponed - as the home side are still to complete essential ground improvements. Iron back in the National League Cup Braintree Town start their return to the National League South with four successive home matches, three of which are in the League. Iron start their campaign at home to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday 8 August and with no mid-week fixture, their second match is also at home to Chesham United on Saturday 15 August. After two seasons of strong showings in the National League Cup, Braintree have been once again invited to compete in the National League Cup and start their fixtures with a first group match at home (opponents to be confirmed) on Wednesday, 19 August. Their third Saturday match is also at home, to Horsham on Saturday 22 August, before a first away trip to Dover Athletic on Saturday 29 August. As a South club, Iron start their FA Cup interest in the Second Qualifying Round with a fixture on Saturday, 19 September and in the FA Trophy start their involvement in the Second Round on Saturday 14 November. Iron have three fixtures over the Christmas and New Year holidays. On Boxing Day, 26 December, Iron visit the Melbourne Athletics Stadium to play Chelmsford City, before two home matches on Monday 28 December against Folkestone Invicta and on Saturday 2 January at home to Ebbsfleet United. Easter is in March this year and sees Braintree visit Folkestone Invicta on Good Friday, 26 March and entertain Chelmsford City on Easter Monday, 29 March. Braintree complete their fixtures at AFC Totton on Saturday 24 April. The full list of fixtures is on the Games link above. Iron back in the National League Cup Braintree Town start their return to the National League South with four successive home matches, three of which are in the League. Iron start their campaign at home to Tonbridge Angels on Saturday 8 August and with no mid-week fixture, their second match is also at home to Chesham United on Saturday 15 August. After two seasons of strong showings in the National League Cup, Braintree have been once again invited to compete in the National League Cup and start their fixtures with a first group match at home (opponents to be confirmed) on Wednesday, 19 August. Their third Saturday match is also at home, to Horsham on Saturday 22 August, before a first away trip to Dover Athletic on Saturday 29 August. As a South club, Iron start their FA Cup interest in the Second Qualifying Round with a fixture on Saturday, 19 September and in the FA Trophy start their involvement in the Second Round on Saturday 14 November. Iron have three fixtures over the Christmas and New Year holidays. On Boxing Day, 26 December, Iron visit the Melbourne Athletics Stadium to play Chelmsford City, before two home matches on Monday 28 December against Folkestone Invicta and on Saturday 2 January at home to Ebbsfleet United. Easter is in March this year and sees Braintree visit Folkestone Invicta on Good Friday, 26 March and entertain Chelmsford City on Easter Monday, 29 March. Braintree complete their fixtures at AFC Totton on Saturday 24 April. The full list of fixtures is on the Games link above. As the Club looks forward to a return to the South Steve has updated as follows: "After a period of reflection following our NL relegation and lengthy dialogue with the chairman over a number of weeks I have decided to continue in my role as 1st team manager of Braintree Town FC. As a result a pre season schedule has been arranged and a long term training facility has been secured. In addition our recruitment process is well underway pending the current transfer embargo and our anticipation of its removal. I want to thanks the clubs fans for their unstinting support in this interim period and look forward to seeing you all in July when our friendlies commence. We are also pleased to confirm the addition of Tom Austin ex Brightlingsea Regent & AFC Sudbury as my assistant manager. In addition Stefan Robson joins us from AFC Sudbury as 1st team GK coach. Cullen Bacon will continue as S&C coach until he departs for Nottingham university in October to complete his Masters degree. More staff appointments will follow." Steve Woking to visit in July Manager Steve Pitt has added an eighth pre-season match to his schedule and our matches are as follows: 11 July Brightlingsea Regent (Away) - kick-off 3pm 14 July Welling United (Away) - kick-off 7.45pm 18 July Aveley (Away) - kick-off 3pm 20 July Cambridge United (Away) (behind closed doors) 21 July Woking (Home) - kick-off 7.45pm 25 July Colchester United U21 (Home) - kick-off 3pm 28 July Felixstowe & Walton (Away) - kick-off 7.45pm 1 August Aldershot Town (Home) - kick-off 3pm Can you help? The Club has a vacancy to manage our Club website. If you would like to help the Club with this important role - contact Chairman Lee Harding at info@braintreetownfc.org.uk. Fixtures out on 10 July The National League have confirmed the following dates: Fixture release day Friday 10 July 2026 Opening day Saturday 8 August 2026 Final day Saturday 24 April 2027 Promotion Finals weekend Saturday 8 May/Sunday 9 May 2027 Christmas fixtures Saturday 26 December/Monday 28 December 2026* New Year's fixture Saturday 2 January 2027* *Clubs may request to move their Bank Holiday Monday (28 December) fixture to Tuesday 29 December (7.45pm) or their Saturday 2 January fixture to New Year's Day (1 January) subject to mutual agreement between both clubs within seven days of fixture release. Club are working hard to attract new people and investment to the club Following requests for additional information about season ticket payments and our current short-term embargo, the Club can confirm that the advice from the National League is that while player signings are restricted during an embargo, the Club will be permitted to sign a maximum of up to sixteen players from 1 June 2026 and to comply with League rule. The preliminary budgeting that has been undertaken for next season is that the Club would in any case be operating with approximately 20-22 players, so the embargo will not have a substantial impact upon the build up of the first team squad size for 2026/27. Our regular supporters realise that season ticket income is important to the Club. We don't benefit from payments from satellite broadcasters and that is why we offer the substantial discounts to our regular season ticket holders that we do during the summer. That said, we understand that a number of our supporters are keen not to miss out on their season ticket discounts, while the embargo remains in place. The Club are working hard to attract both new people and investment to the club. We are focused on meeting all the requirements to lift the embargo by the start of next season and hopefully over the next couple of months. However, if any supporter wishes to order their season ticket in the normal way but delay paying 50% of the cost until 1 August, this will be acceptable to the Club, with the ticket issued when the cost in full has been paid in early August. The deadlines for the early season ticket purchase is this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 30-31 May, when the club will be open from 2pm-6pm on Saturday and 10-12 on Sunday, together with Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings this week from 7.30-9.30pm. Any further questions about the embargo and season ticket applications can be submitted to the Club via e-mail to: info@braintreetownfc.org.uk Working with the National League to resolve the situation The Club can confirm that we have been placed under a player signing embargo by the National League. While the Club budgeting for last season was in accordance with league rules, a number of key factors have left the Club with a shortfall: over-spend of the playing budget; bad debts from sponsors; money owed by The FA for players salaries who played international football eighteen months ago; and poor results which have seen a big drop in attendances and associated gate, clubhouse and sales & marketing income. The Club is committed to paying what is outstanding and is currently looking to secure investment and may yet receive additional league central funding, windfalls from player inclusion in the World Cup and transfer sell-on fees, but we are still waiting to see when these will be available. Get your bargain by the end of May Season ticket application forms are available to download from the Tickets page above or from the Clubhouse bar and completed forms together with your payment should be made at the Clubhouse bar - who will also be able to take any card payments. For prices - see below. You can drop your completed forms off each Thursday evening from 7.30pm - 9pm and each Saturday afternoon from 2pm - 6pm at the Clubhouse at the Cressing Road Stadium throughout the month of May. If you want to pay via BACS, e-mail your form to: info@braintreetownfc.org.uk and transfer your payment to: Sort code: 20-97-40, Acc. no: 60066125. Each BACS payment will receive an E-receipt. Reductions all round for return to Step Two The Club have agreed their matchday and season ticket prices for the 2026/27 campaign. Matchday prices for next season will reduce to: Adults £18, OAPs £14, Under 18s £8 and Under 12s FREE if accompanied by an adult, or just £4 if unaccompanied. To reward our long-standing season ticket holders, ALL season tickets for next season purchased by Sunday, 31st May will be reduced to: Adults - £320, OAPs - £250, Under 18s - £70 and Under 12s - £40. Chairman Lee Harding said of the prices for next season: "We are confident that our matchday prices remain competitive and offer value for money. Free entry for our youngest fans is something we've aspired to for many years and I'm delighted we've been able to afford that deal. "To that, all Iron season tickets offer some tremendous savings. The Adult ticket offers 23% off the cost of a 23-game campaign, OAP season tickets 22% off, while Under 18s and unaccompanied Under 12s are over half the cost of the 23 matches - a cracking deal! "Like every other business we are facing increases to our costs. Our overheads as a business continue to climb, but we are also looking to provide the side with a competitive playing budget." Season ticket application forms will be available to download from the Tickets page above or from the Clubhouse bar and completed forms together with payments should be deposited at the Clubhouse bar - who will also be able to take any card payments.
|   - - - 8 August (3pm) TONBRIDGE ANGELS (Home) 15 August (3pm) CHESHAM UNITED (Home) 18 August (7.30pm) IPSWICH TOWN (NLC) (Home) 22 August (3pm) HORSHAM (Home) - - - HOW WE FINISHED        
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