JOE Dunne today revealed why he has allowed youngsters Tom Bender and Bradley Hamilton to go out on loan to Chelmsford City.

The duo are on loan at the Blue Square Bet South club until January, with a view to a permanent move.

“Bradley and Tom I have allowed to go, and they will be available in January,” revealed Dunne.

“I’ve talked to them about it.

“I have a theory about the development of young players. If you are a young player and you are given a four-year contract, from 16 to 20, or 17 to 21, at the end you’ve got to be at least breaking into the first team, at a club like ours, at least that.

“It helps me make decisions and I’ve been honest with the players, because Bradley and Tom are not going to get in my first team.

“They are at an age now where they need to start making careers for themselves.

“It would be an absolute travesty if I was to give them another two years, and they just sit around the reserves again, and then they get to 24 and they might be missing the boat with the way the game is changing.

“They need to kick on and start a career somewhere.

“Their commitment to our club has been great, but there comes a time when young players need to get a chance,” added Dunne.

Both midfielder-cum-defender Hamilton and left-back Bender were on the bench for Chelmsford City’s defeat at Crawley in the FA Cup last weekend, with Hamilton making his Clarets debut in the second half.