Boro sign quartet as plans progress
IT HAS been a busy week for Spencer Day, who has confirmed four more players for his Farnborough squad for the 2022-23 season as they make the step up to the National League South.
The Southern League Premier South play-off champions have signed Freddie Grant, Michael Fernandes, Jack Ball and CJ Fearn.
Full-back Grant is back for his third spell at the Easy As HGV Stadium, previously making 14 appearances for the club in 2014-15, and 35 starts and three goals in the following 2015-16 season.
The Tilehurst-born defender returns with far more experience under his belt having made more than 150 appearances in the National League, most recently at Slough Town.
Commenting on his homecoming, the 25-year-old said: “I enjoyed my first spell here so I always knew that one day I’d be back. There’s unfinished business here.
“I’ve seen the strength of the squad last year and already Spencer’s made some good additions, so we’re certainly looking to be in and around the play-offs next season.”
Day said: “Freddie is well known to Boro and myself so it was an easy decision when he made it clear he wanted to rejoin. Another very good player and character that will be popular with everyone.”
Farnborough will also welcome back creative winger Fernandes. A product of the Middlesex’s Conquest Football Academy, Fernandes made his Farnborough debut at Hitchin Town on February 10 2018, where he scored twice in a 3-1 victory.
The 23-year-old is currently back enjoying his second spell in Hampshire, after his departure from League Two Colchester United – where he signed first year professional papers.
Fernandes bagged eight goals and numerous assists throughout the 2021-22 season, playing a key part in Farnborough’s promotion-winning side. He said: “I’m excited. The club obviously did well last year. I think we’re going to go strong again and I’m excited for what’s going to happen this year.
“The players that I’m hearing are coming and have already been announced shows that it’s going to be a big season.”
Farnborough have retained the services of defender Ball. The versatile defender started his career with neighbours Cove before moving to America for university. He then joined Hartley Wintney in December 2017, where he was snapped up by Salisbury in 2020-21.
The 29-year-old made the switch to Farnborough in January, making his full debut in a league game at Weston-super-Mare.
Ball made 18 league starts in his first season at the Easy As HGV Stadium, getting the nod for both the play-off semi-final and final.
He told the official website: “Really happy. Looking forward to testing myself at the next level. Hopefully next year brings more success our way and, yeah, I’m really looking forward to it,”
And last but not least, Farnborough have secured the signature of defender Fearn.
Boro through and through, he is well and truly part of the furniture and will be entering his tenth season at the club come August.
From making his Farnborough debut in the National League South away at Bromley in December 2013, Fearn lifted the Southern League Premier South play-off trophy last month. The 26-year-old also scored a crucial equaliser in extra-time in the play-off semi-final victory over Metropolitan Police.
Fearn said: “I’m absolutely buzzing, if I’m honest with you.
“Spencer has got a plan this year, and hopefully it goes to plan the way he wants it to. We’re going to push on and see if we can get promoted so I’m over the moon.”