Brakes’ squad for the new season has been given a further boost with the news that Joe Magunda, James Mace and Tom James have all agreed to remain at the club.
Joe Magunda passed a double century of appearances for his hometown club last season, his fifth with us since signing from Brackley Town in the summer of 2012, and is one of three players still at the club to have been involved in both promotions from Southern League. He excelled both in midfield and defensive roles
James Mace made 52 appearances last season, with three goals being his best total in a Brakes shirt so far. Another injury free campaign will surely see him top 300 appearances, placing him well inside the top ten since we began playing again in 2000.
Tom James may have only made 25 appearances on his return to his hometown club last season, but in virtually every game he started he was one of the best players in the pitch in gold and black, more than stepping up to the plate when called upon. He also scored a fine first goal for the club in a league cup tie against Evesham United.
Paul Holleran was delighted to have all three players back on board, saying ‘Joe Magunda and James Mace were both big players for us last season. Both are strong and versatile and have previous experience of the National League North both with us and with their previous clubs, and I am sure they will both have a big part to play this season too.’
‘TJ is a local lad who has played at this level a lot during his career. He was on the fringes of the starting eleven last season, and while I’m sure he was frustrated at not starting as many games as he would have liked to, he never let us down when called upon. I am sure that he will continue to push hard and provide great competition for places.’
The manager continued ‘It’s fantastic to have all three back on board, as not only are they all true, hard working professionals, I think that they represent the DNA of this football club.’