Report from Leigh @beakster99
We understand that free agent Tambeson Eyong, 28, is currently participating in pre-season training with Billericay Town. He has joined on a non-contract basis, and over the next five weeks, will be seeking to impress manager, Harry Wheeler, sufficiently to earn himself a shot at a National South campaign with the Blues.
Eyong, who had latterly featured for Heybridge Swifts in their run to the 2017/18 Isthmian South play-off final, is a familiar name to Blues fans. As an ex-BTFC player, he spent six months at the club after joining in January 2017.
Comfortable in midfield, or as an accomplished right-back, he could bring additional options for the squad and valuable cover on the right side of defence. With pace, power, and commitment, he has been described as a “versatile power-house” by one of his previous managers.
He is an East London lad who came through the youth system at West Ham United before moving to Dagenham & Redbridge and having a spell, aged 17, at Scottish Premier League side, Gretna. He then had short stints at Aveley and Harlow Town, before, aged 20, signing for Isthmian Premier side AFC Hornchurch in March 2010.
Identified as a talent with a capacity to learn quickly, he settled into a successful Urchin side making 179 appearances and scoring 7 goals over four years there. During that time, he played alongside recent BTFC signing, Ricky Hayles.
Having experienced promotion to the National South in 2012/13, and relegation the following year, Tam moved on to ambitious, high spending Margate FC in October 2014. This followed a very short spell at Canvey Island but was worth the move as he won promotion once again to the National South, once again via the play-offs.
In June 2015, he headed back to Canvey Island but finished the season returning to Hornchurch. The following season National League South side, Bishops Stortford came calling and he spent four months there until a managerial change saw him surplus to requirements.
Another spell back at Canvey Island was followed in January 2017, by his first arrival at the New Lodge. He featured regularly for Billericay Town until his contract was cancelled by mutual consent at the end of the season.
Last season saw Tam arrive and leave Grays Athletic without playing a game. In March 2018, he signed for Heybridge Swifts and introduced himself on his debut with a goal of the season contender from 25 yards v Haringey Borough.
With a track record at the top of the Isthmian Premier, and experience of National South football, Tam has every chance of proving his worth to Billericay Town. Competition for places in an experienced squad is tough but, should he do well in pre-season training, he offers valuable experience and flexibility in several positions.
