BILLERICAY Town manager Craig Edwards has said his squad would be ready to begin the new season tomorrow, such is his confidence in his new-look squad.

Having already added six names to the Town ranks since the end of last term, Edwards has signed up two further players this week – 21-year-old left winger Shane Stamp and teenager Alex Stephenson from Southend Manor.

Stamp joins from Harlow Town in the Ryman One North, having played a key role as they made the play-offs. Also adept at playing at full-back, Stamp has previously played at Colchester United.

Stephenson is likely to play a fringe role in the first-team next year, having cut his teeth at Southend Manor in the Essex Senior League in which he was made captain last campaign at the age of 18.

And Edwards says he is now only a player or two away from completing his squad.

“I am really pleased with these signings,” he said.

“Shane came to me back in my first or second season at the club having been let go by Colchester but we had a really good left-back at the time and I didn’t think he would get into the side.

“He went to Harlow and has had a really good couple of years there. He had a storming game against Southend United in the Essex Senior Cup and was the best player when we played them in the round after.

“His fitness is excellent so I am confident he will play a big part in the season to come.

“Alex was recommended to us and he looks really decent for his age,” continued Edwards. “I am not sure if he is quite physical enough yet for the Ryman Premier League and he will play primarily for the under-21s.

“We just need another one or two and that will be it, although this team would be good enough to start the season tomorrow if that was the case.”

Billericay have already signed goalkeeper Jack Giddens, defender Joe Ellul, midfielders Loui Hazlewood, Chris Bourne and Frankie Curley and striker Lewis Manor.

And Edwards confirmed he had 10 other prospects training at the New Lodge club, as he looks to finalise his squad ahead of the start of the new campaign on Saturday, August 8.