BRAINTREE Town manager Glen Driver has added to the defensive unit in his developing Iron squad with the additions of a holding midfielder and a centre-half.

The first is 25-year-old midfielder Sergio Manesio, who Driver has described as a "modern day holding midfielder".

Manesio came through the youth systems at Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion up to the age of 18, before moving to America in 2013 where he started 69 matches for Cleveland State University in four years of his NCAA college career.

He then spent two seasons in the United Soccer League playing for Ottawa Fury FC and returned to the UK in February where he made 13 appearances for Hendon in the Southern League premier division south .

Driver said: "Sergio is a modern day holding midfielder.

"He has many of the attributes needed by a defensive midfielder.

"He's a strong, powerful holding player who reminds me of the likes of Makelele, Wanyama and Kante."

The second of Driver's latest additions to his growing squad is in the heart of his defence, with 25-year old centre half Harry Osborne joining the Iron.

Osborne started his career as a youngster at Charlton Athletic, before joining Sutton United in 2014, where he made ten appearances, before moving on to Welling United a year later where he made 24 appearances over two seasons.

He then had spells with both Hemel Hempstead and Bishop's Stortford before joining Merstham last season.

Driver added: "Harry has also caught my eye so far in pre-season and I'm pleased he has decided to join us.

"He has played at a good standard and at six foot two is a good size for a centre-half - I think he'll do well for us."