National League South Chelmsford City have confirmed the signing of youngster Harry Barbrook following the expiration of his Town contract.

Barbrook, who hails from Southwold, joined the Blues along with twin brother Finley aged six, their father Matthew having been a youth player with the Blues and Scunthorpe in the late 1980s.

The 20-year-old was on loan with the Clarets in the second half of last season, having had a spell at Lowestoft earlier in the campaign. His twin had a stint with the Essex side during the previous season.

“It’s really good to be back at the club, I really enjoyed my time here both as a fan watching Finley and during my time on loan last season,” the left-back told the Chelmsford club site.

“It’s going to be exciting to work with Angelo again as well as getting to work with the rest of the staff, most of who I know already. I’m just really excited to be back and I’m looking forward to getting going again!”

Clarets manager Angelo Harrop added: “I’m over the moon to bring Harry back to the club ahead of the upcoming season.

“I watched him multiple times during his loan spell at the back end of last season and I thought that was outstanding at the back.

“He is another young player who comes with massive potential so I can’t wait to get to work with him this season.”

TWTD

Ipswichbusiness added 20:21 - May 30 How many youngsters have made it to the first team in the last ten years? Going from a PL club to the National League South is a big fall.
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trevski_s added 20:32 - May 30 Such a shame and I wish Harry the best of luck at Chelmsford. Somethings telling me we are probably going to see a fair few of the U21s leaving this year as a lot from the Evans era are now getting to that age where they should be breaking into the first team and as we have seen over the past couple of seasons, Ashton and co have been snapping up a few youngsters from Premier League teams and abroad. Hopefully we can keep a fair few that were here before McKenna and co, like the likes of Taylor and Buabo, and give them some games soon to help make the academy look a more enticing place for up and coming players

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PortmanTerrorist added 08:10 - May 31 Harsh reality here. A step down can be a step forward but this is a big step. However, how many kids make it through youth systems to the first team anywhere.... and when they do, it is nearly always well before 20 years of age. Hope he does well and carves a career from here.... did look a prospect!
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 09:54 - May 31 The sad truth is we stopped developing players years ago - Wooflenden is the only home grown on the first team squad. That's pathetic.
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Radlett_blue added 10:17 - May 31 I still continue the wisdom of continuing with the academy at all, especially if it isn't Category One. Developing players like Brentford did with a B team may be a better way forward. However, Brentford recently re-opened their academy, but with Category B status, as this is a requirement to enter European competition.
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