Off the back of a busy weekend of transfers, Brightlingsea Regent and Ryan Salter continued to build the desired squad for the 2026/2027 campaign. The team remains hard-working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad, and ensure the club is well-positioned for the challenges ahead. Here is a rundown of the week’s business so far:

Incomings

Giani Ashley

Bolstering our backline, versatile full-back/wing-back Giani Ashley joins Brightlingsea Regent from fellow Essex-based side Heybridge Swifts. Born in The Netherlands originally, Giani graduated from the youth set-up into the first team at Hornchurch, and ever since, has shifted around south-eastern based non-league sides.

Known for his pace and energy on the flanks, Giani previously had spells with Cambridge City FC, Three Bridges and Grays Athletic, alongside small periods with Bedford Town FC and Margate. Featuring in eight Isthmian League North games last season, he departed Heybridge Swifts following their relegation to step nine.

Emmanuel Zion

Concluding our incomings, central defender Emmanuel Zion joined up with the Regent yesterday evening, bringing in defensive reinforcement to the Regent backline, to strengthen Ryan Salter’s defensive structure and improve the overall solidity defensively.

Previously being registered to East London based Frenford FC, members of the Essex Senior League in step nine of the football pyramid, we look forward to seeing Emmanuel at North Road during the upcoming campaign.

Departures

Fin Adams

On Wednesday, the club announced that full-back Fin Adams will be departing North Road this summer and make the well-deserved move up to step 2 of the English football pyramid. On of the most consistent players at North Road in recent years, the Regent will undoubtedly miss his presence next season

On top of that, Adams captained the side numerous times across the 25/26 season, alongside bagging four goals, the last of those occurring against Downham Town back in April, during a 3-1 win.

With 98 appearances under his belt with Brightlingsea, and becoming a cult hero amongst the Regent faithful, we wish Fin the best wishes for his ventures!