Ex-Premier League and EFL player Freddie Sears has been left ‘blown away’ by the setup at Chatham as he joins the ambitious 7th tier club.
The 34 year old, who has played for the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe, Colchester, Ipswich, Dagenham, and Braintree, is now preparing himself for life with Chatham, who lost 3-0 to Enfield Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division playoff final last season.
Meanwhile, Sears had helped guide Braintree Town to promotion, winning 4-3 against Worthing in the National League South playoff final.
πͺππππ’π π, ππ₯πππππ π¦πππ₯π¦! π€
We are delighted to announce that Freddie Sears becomes the Chats’ latest summer signing.
π΄βͺβ« #UpTheChats
β Chatham Town (@ChathamTownFC) July 19, 2024
Freddie Sears is itching to get started. π
π¬ | βI was blown away by the setup. The whole project excites me.β
π΄βͺοΈβ«οΈ #UpTheChats pic.twitter.com/nXFmdkhFft
β Chatham Town (@ChathamTownFC) July 19, 2024
CLUB STATEMENT:
Chatham Town are delighted to announce the signing of Freddie Sears β becoming the latest summer addition.
The 34-year old forward, who has an England cap at U21 level, has more recently been with Braintree Town in the National League.
Sears featured for Crystal Palace and West Ham in the top-flight, becoming the Hammersβ second youngest goal scorer in Premier League history, only behind Rio Ferdinand.
With 464 appearances across the EFL, Sears brings in invaluable experience to boost the Chats ranks.
Sears will be available this evening as we welcome Gillingham FC to the Bauvill stadium for our next pre-season friendly. You can purchase your tickets by clicking here.
Welcome to the club, Freddie!
– STATEMENT ENDS –
Sears made his debut for the club, coming off the bench on the 46th minute, with Chatham going on to hold on to their win over Gillingham, 2-1 to scoreline at the end.
[46β] β CHATS SUBSTITUTIONSβ¦
ON: OβKeefe, Sears
OFF: Akehurst, Garlinge #CTFC 2-0 #GILπ΄βͺοΈβ«οΈ #UpTheChats pic.twitter.com/tvfYzzJ1ob
β Chatham Town (@ChathamTownFC) July 19, 2024
π Friday July 19th 2024
β° KO: 7.45pm
π Friendly
π Maidstone Road Sports Ground
π· Β£8 π NoneChatham Town 2 (Sach 4, Robinson 17)
Gillingham XI 1 (Carruthers 82)Att:1,287 pic.twitter.com/ZNuwKFKvKu
β Peter Miles (@PeterRMiles) July 19, 2024
He said when speaking with the club’s media: “I was speaking to the manager and I came here the other night and was blown away by the set-up really and the manager’s ambitions lead in with what I want to do now.
“I want to come here and get promoted and hopefully, kick on to the next division.
“I just want to get going and start playing.
“I was here the other night and watched the game and I’m itching to get back out there again, so I can’t wait.
SEARS’ CAREER:
Youth
2000β2008 – West Ham United
Senior
2008β2012 – West Ham United – 58 games (3 goals)
2009 β Crystal Palace (loan) – 19 games (0 goals)
2010 β Coventry City (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2010 β Scunthorpe United (loan) – 9 games (0 goals)
2012β2015 – Colchester United – 109 games (36 goals)
2015β2021 – Ipswich Town – 218 games (34 goals)
2021β2023 – Colchester United – 86 games (21 goals)
2023β2024 – Dagenham & Redbridge – 23 games (1 goal)
2024 – Braintree Town – 13 games (2 goals)
2024β Chatham Town
International
2007β2008 – England U19 – 8 games (3 goals)
2009 – England U20 – 1 game (0 goals)
2009 – England U21 – 3 games (1 goal)
This is how Twitter users reacted as the ex-Premier League and EFL player is left ‘blown away’ by the setup as he joins ambitious 7th tier club Chatham Town…
@KPWHUFC: Yes Freddie βοΈ
@LeeWeemes29: Cor big signing that ππ» smash it bro @searsy19
@IsaacStatue: That is HUGE!
@carlheather: That’s a good signing
@Gazzz_89: Massive signing! Remember him back in the day at West Ham! Squad is looking brilliant for the season ahead πͺπ»
@shaunsaunders52: What a signing that is πβοΈ
@Scottslater1505: Always like him Shame it never got started at West ham
@puffpuff65: Loved him at braintree last season, got a very important goal v Chelmsford in the play off semi final. Wish him all the best at Chatham
@90clarkee: Ridiculous signing, well played Chatham town
@Duderoso1: Now that’s a signing I would have awaited at Gillingham a few years back. Great signing βπΌ
@danherbert123: Some signing this by the chats. Gonna be a force next season
@Dom_Dorey: Wow. What a signing! He maybe 34 but he should be pretty much one of the best strikers in that league! βοΈβοΈβοΈ
@NathanRef96: What a signing that is for them at that level #Colu
@DanJames9121: Iβm sorry, he is 34?.. I remember he first team debut man wtaf
@TerraStatman: Wow. Big signing at that level!
@northboy187: Wow what a signing.
@cairnsy283: Chatham are massive
@Ads_CTFC_82: Wow! Now this is a statement signing!! Welcome Freddie!! #UpTheChats πΎπͺπΎπͺπΎπͺ
@tractor_girl99: Bloody hell Chatham thatβs a signing!! wow
Freddie Sears had a really mixed 23/24
Didnβt cut it at Dagenham. But scored a couple of really important goals to get Braintree promoted
Heβs not the forward he once was, but at that level he can offer plenty for Chatham πͺ https://t.co/DubgKfuHPH
β tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) July 19, 2024
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