Basford Sign Two Triallists

After successful trial periods throughout pre-season, Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central newcomers Basford United have completed the signings of Josh Barnes and Riece Bertram.

Barnes was one of six academy prospects released by Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2021/22 season, having been at the City Ground since he was 8 years old.

The 21-year-old was a fairly constant figure in Forest’s under-23 squad last season, making 13 starts in 23 appearances as they finished fourth in the Premier League 2 Division 2.

The midfielder made a handful of senior appearances for the Reds under then-manager Chris Hughton and spent part of the last campaign in Cornwall, on loan at Truro City where he made his Vanarama National League South debut against Salisbury.

Bertram is a tough tackling player who is equally at home when deployed on defensive duties.

The 30-year-old was almost ever-present in the Carlton Town team in 2018/19 and prior to joining Carlton, he featured for Basford.

He joined Northern Premier Division One Midlands club Belper Town in the summer of 2019 and then moved onto then-league rivals Ilkeston Town in May 2020 before returning to the Nailers in May 2021.

He joined NPL Premier outfit Matlock Town in February 2022 and then re-joined Belper a month later.

He helped the Nailers to win promotion to the NPL Premier in 2021/22.

Basford boss Mark Clifford told the club’s website: “I’m really pleased to add both Riece and Josh to our squad. They add quality, flexibility, and depth to our squad and have shown their worth in recent matches and training.

“As late additions to our pre-season squad, I am really pleased with the group and strength-in-depth as we now turn all eyes to Saturday’s trip to Royston”.

Basford United Web Site