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, and spent four seasons with them.
He 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
Exciting times for 7th tier club as Barry Hearn outlines ambitious plans
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.”
The club added: “The season starts tomorrow, and this is your last chance to secure a Club24 Gold or Silver Membership before kick-off.
“With Freddie confirmed & now on board, there’s never been a better time to back the Blues!
Gold Memberships: https://shorturl.at/nKJki
Silver Memberships: https://shorturl.at/yxrym
Come and watch Freddie Sears at The Arena 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 fan reaction after the experienced former Premier League and EFL player signs for ambitious 7th tier club Brentwood Town…
@G3tTheBadgeIn: Almost completed his A12 bingo card of teams 😅🤣 Love the guy. But he fucking loves the A12.
@GeorgeHudson19; I see why Barry’s 💰 was required
@Harrysbtfc: What a signing 👏 Exited for big things this season
@Harri24079Ollie: What a signing, welcome Freddie 🩵
@daniels9119: @BrentwoodTownFC signing Freddie Sears excellent signing there. Got a feeling a promotion push is on its way
@Gameday523: Brentwood have built a brilliant team. Came so close to promotion last year and looks like they will be in the fight again this year.
John Schultz: Great signing. Welcome to Brentwood Town Freddie. See you Saturday.
Glen Warren: Top lad Freddie. Knows where the onion bag is 👊
Simon Courtney: Congratulations Freddie. Top bloke. Loved watching you every week last year at Maldon & Tiptree FC. Good luck for the season
David John Mullen: Great news for Brentwood, he will bring on many of his previous admirers . Best of luck Freddie
Stewart Erridge: Was great at Chatham couple of years back
