BILLERICAY Town have appointed Dean Brennan as their new manager.

The announcement was made yesterday afternoon, 24 days after former manager Harry Wheeler was sacked.

Brennan joined from National League South rivals Hemel Hempstead Town, having spent six years at the club and guided them to the play-offs last term.

The 28-year old joins along with former assistant manager Stuart Maynard, although the Echo understands owner Glenn Tamplin will also act as Brennan’s number two this season.

And Tamplin said the move was one that makes sense after announcing he will be starting up a Billericay Town Academy next season, despite the club still being up for sale.

“Dean is experienced and I believe he is exactly what this club needs,” said Tamplin.

“If you look at what he is doing at Hemel on their budget, imagine what he can do if you give him an open book and access to the set-up we have. It makes sense.

“He has picked out our team’s weaknesses and they are weaknesses I agree with. There are likely to be a few changes this week with several players leaving and several coming in.

“I have every confidence that Dean is the man who will get us promoted this season.”

Brennan has signed a three-year deal at the AGP Arena and will get his reign as boss underway against Burnham in the FA Cup on Saturday.

And Tamplin added one of the central reasons for his appointment was tied into the club’s new academy which will be launching next term.

The owner said a total of 24 matches will be watched every week by a recruitment team of five to ensure the best young talent will be brought through at Billericay.

And Tamplin, who has previously said he made a mistake in sacking now Maidstone United manager Wheeler, said Brennan’s enthusiasm for bringing through young players was key to him getting the top job.

“We have gone for Dean as we are setting up a recruitment drive next year - a Billericay Town academy. I have told the fans that I am still in first gear but now we are going into second gear.

“It will begin next season and will function as any other academy does. Dean has been wanting to do it for years and he has the team in place to do so effectively.

“I spoke to around 15 people for the vacant manager’s position but Dean is all about the future as well as the present and that excites me.”