Report from Leigh @beakster99

Billericay Town FC has announced the departure of midfielder, Matt Paine, who leaves to focus on his career in the police force. Matt signs out with many happy memories of his time at the club, securing the treble of the Bostik premier Title, the Velocity Cup, and the Essex Senior Cup in his single season at the AGP.

Having joined BTFC in June 2017 from National league side, Boreham Wood, he was considered a headline signing for the Blues given his background as an established player in the top tier of Non-League.

Exhibiting the outstanding leadership qualities that had made him a target for clubs in the past, he showed great character to fight his way into the team after an initial loan spell with Concord Rangers.

From November 2017, he became firmly established in the team and proved to be a vital component either in the back-line or in central midfield. Whilst his role was primarily defensive, he also contributed in front of goal, scoring three times last season.

Looking back at Matt’s footballing career before BTFC, he started out as a Colchester United trainee. In June 2007, after a successful six month loan spell, he signed for now defunct National South side, Thurrock FC. He spent three seasons with the Rocks where he played in the same team as ex-BTFC stopper, Rob Swaine.

After a series of impressive performances, he caught the eye of National League side, Braintree Town. In June 2010, he became an “Iron”. Matt would stay at Braintree for five seasons enjoying the most successful period in the club’s history.

Matt made 183 appearances for Braintree Town. After missing a chunk of the 2014-15 season, due to an opening day knee injury, Matt hit back with an outstanding 2015-16 season. A vital defensive lynch-pin, he even managed to score from the half-way line in a March 2016 League game v Kidderminster Harriers.

Instrumental in securing a record 3rd place for Braintree in the National League, Matt thrived under the management of the Cowley brothers. Ultimately, the season ended in disappointment after defeat in the play-off semi-final v Grimsby Town, and, in June 2016, Matt moved to Boreham Wood.

Matt signed for Billericay Town after a single season as an ever-present at Boreham Wood. After short loan spells at Braintree Town and Concord Rangers early in the season, Matt returned to BTFC and established himself as a starter.

Matt leaves BTFC with the best wishes of the fans and many thanks for his contribution to BTFC’s historic 2017-18 season.

BTFC STATISTICS *

Appearances
2017-18: League 24 (6) – 3 Goals; Cup 15 (3) – 0 Goals

First Goal
23 December, 2017: 3-4 v Burgess Hill (A)

(*Data kindly provided by @btfcunofficial)