Pitt to remain as manager of Braintree

Manager Steve Pitt is to remain in charge of Braintree Town despite their relegation from the National League. He was appointed at the end of 2024 and guided them to a 17th-place finish at the end of that season, four points clear of the relegation places. In the 2025-26 campaign, though, they won only eight out of 46 league games and ended next to bottom, 10 points from safety, as well as being placed under a transfer embargo. That embargo is expected to be lifted, however, because they expect to receive a £175,000 payment from world governing body Fifa following defender Tommy Smith's involvement in the World Cup with New Zealand. "After a period of reflection following our NL relegation and lengthy dialogue with the chairman over a number of weeks I have decided to continue in my role as first-team manager of Braintree Town FC," Pitt said. "As a result, a pre-season schedule has been arranged and a long-term training facility has been secured. In addition, our recruitment process is well underway pending the current transfer embargo and our anticipation of its removal. "I want to thanks the club's fans for their unstinting support in this interim period." Braintree will play in National League South next season and Pitt has brought in former Brightlingsea Regent boss Tom Austin as his assistant and Stefan Robson from AFC Sudbury as goalkeeping coach. World Cup cash to lift Braintree transfer embargo Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone