Halstead Town manager Mark Benterman is delighted to have been able to add some former professional experience to his side at a crucial part of their season.

Former Southend United defender David McSweeney has joined his old friend Benterman at Rosemary Lane and the Town boss is expecting to add another ex-professional player to his squad soon.

He said: “Macca has come in as a favour to me really.

“We’ve known each other since the age of five and came through Billericay’s youth set-up together before he went off to join Southend.

“He went on to play more than 70 Football League games for them and what a great role model for our young players to learn from."

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