The experienced former Premier League and EFL player Freddie Sears signs for ambitious 7th tier club Brentwood Town.
He began his career at West Ham, progressing his way through the youth ranks and got into the senior team, had loan spells with Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and Colchester, turning into a permanent deal with the latter, spent four seasons with them, then headed to Ipswich, his time ended after seven seasons, went back to Colchester for another two seasons and that proved to be his final time in the EFL.
Sears dropped non league back in the 2023/24 season, turning out for Dagenham & Redbridge, before playing for the likes of Braintree, Chatham and Maldon & Tiptree.
✍️ Brentwood Town are delighted to announce the signing of former West Ham United striker Freddie Sears!
Welcome to The Blues, Freddie! 🤝
Read more here 👉 https://t.co/Sx8C1Z0SOg#UpTheWood 🩵🪵 pic.twitter.com/TmZfNy2Dmf
— Brentwood Town F.C. (@BrentwoodTownFC) August 6, 2026
The club said in a statement on their website: “Brentwood Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of striker Freddie Sears ahead of the 2026/27 season.
“The 36-year-old arrives at The Arena with an outstanding footballing CV, bringing a wealth of experience from the Premier League, the Football League and the non-league game.
“Sears began his career with West Ham United, where he made his Premier League debut, before gaining further experience during loan spells with Crystal Palace, Coventry City, Scunthorpe United and Colchester United.
“After impressing during his initial spell with Colchester, he made a permanent move to the U’s and went on to score 29 goals in 91 appearances before earning a move to Ipswich Town.
“At Portman Road, Sears enjoyed a hugely successful period, making 203 appearances and scoring 32 goals across several seasons in the Championship.
“He later returned to Colchester United, adding a further 16 goals in 76 appearances, before spells with Dagenham & Redbridge, Braintree Town, Chatham Town and Maldon & Tiptree.
“Sears was part of the Braintree Town squad that won promotion to the National League in the 2023/24 season, and most recently enjoyed a prolific campaign with Maldon & Tiptree, scoring 29 goals in 44 appearances. He finished as the Isthmian League North Division’s top goalscorer and played a key role in the club’s title-winning campaign.
“With Premier League and Football League experience, proven goalscoring pedigree and recent success at Step 4, Sears adds quality, leadership and a significant attacking threat to Keith Rowland’s squad.
“Everyone at Brentwood Town FC welcomes Freddie to the club, and we look forward to seeing him in Sky Blue this season.”
SEARS’ CAREER:
Youth
2000–2007 – West Ham United
Senior
2007–2012 – West Ham United – 58 games (3 goals)
2009 → Crystal Palace (loan) – 19 games (0 goals)
2010 → Coventry City (loan) – 10 games (0 goals)
2010 → Scunthorpe United (loan) – 9 games (0 goals)
2012–2015 – Colchester United – 109 games (36 goals)
2015–2021 – Ipswich Town – 218 games (34 goals)
2021–2023 – Colchester United – 86 games (21 goals)
2023–2024 – Dagenham & Redbridge – 23 games (1 goal)
2024 – Braintree Town – 13 games (2 goals)
2024–2025 – Chatham Town – 48 games (24 goals)
2025– Maldon & Tiptree – 48 games (33 goals)
International
2007–2008 – England U19 – 8 games (3 goals)
2009 – England U20 – 1 games (0 goals)
2009 – England U21 – 3 games (1 goals)
Here’s the Experienced former Premier League and EFL player signs for ambitious 7th tier club
