Braintree Town boss Alan Devonshire, has managed to sign up the majority of his successful squad from last season, for the new 2014-15 campaign.

However, four of Iron’s current squad have yet to sign new deals - striker Dan Holman, winger Dan Sparkes, keeper Nathan McDonald and right-back Ryan Peters.

It is likely that at least one or two of this quartet will be plying their trade elsewhere next term.

Braintree’s success story of last season, when they finished an outstanding sixth in the Skrill Conference Premier (the highest finish in the Essex club’s history), was based around a superb defensive record.

In fact, Iron boasted the third best defensive record in the division, and with regular centre-halves Alan Massey and Dean Wells already signed up for next season, along with first choice keeper Nick Hamann, and left-back Sam Habergham putting pen to paper recently, it bodes well.

Meanwhile, here is an updated run-down of Iron’s pre-season friendlies list:

Sat, July 12: Stanway Rovers (away, 11.30am), Sat, July 12: Long Melford (away, 3pm). Tues, July 22: Peterborough Northern Star (away, 7.45pm). Sat, July 26: Cambridge United (home, 3pm). Tues, July 29 West Ham United XI (home, 7.45pm). Sat, Aug 2: Wealdstone (away, 3pm).

Iron are hoping to announce further games against League opposition on July 15 and 19