Braintree Town – 2025/26 Season Preview: Building Without Lisbie
Braintree did the hard bit last season — staying up. Now comes the harder part: moving forward without their talisman. Kyrell Lisbie, the standout star and top scorer, earned his move to Peterborough United after helping keep the Iron in the National League. It’s a big loss, and manager Steve Pitt knows it.
But Pitt, who steadied the ship after arriving in November, remains calm, composed, and focused. A solid core has been retained, new deals are on the table, and the first signing of the summer is through the door. The mission this season? Progress, survival, and a team that reflects the town’s gritty spirit.
2024/25 Season in Review
- Final Position: 17th
- Average Attendance: 1,147 (24th in NL)
- FA Cup: 1st Round – lost on penalties vs Brackley Town (A)
- FA Trophy: 3rd Round – lost on penalties vs Forest Green (H)
- Top Scorer: Kyrell Lisbie – 13 league goals, 17 in all competitions
Two cup runs ended in heartbreak on penalties. League survival came with a few nervy moments. But considering the mid-season managerial change and a squad often bolstered by loanees, simply staying up was no small achievement.
Summer Activity
Signings and retained list
- New signings: Lewis Walker (Woking), Freddie Hockey (Chelmsford City), Sahid Kamara Jr (Birmingham City), Mason Terry (West Ham United, season loan), Goran Babić (Southampton), Tommy Smith (Auckland), Emmanuel Omrore (Free Agent), Fletcher Alexander Hubbard (Brightlingsea), Elliot Thorpe (Solihull Moors)
- Retained: Marley Marshall-Miranda, Jacob Pinnington, Aidan Francis-Clarke, John Akinde, Tom Blackwell, George Langston, James Vennings, Chay Cooper, Ryan Clampin, Alan Judge
Departure list
- Released/departed: Kyrell Lisbie (to Peterborough Utd), Philip Haxthausen-Nielsen, Louie Annesley, Jamal Fyfield (St Albans City)
- Loan returns: Jermaine Francis (Barnet), Henry Gray (Ipswich Town), Emmanuel Okunowo (Ipswich Town), Matt Robinson (formerly Woking has signed for Maidenhead United)
The Challenge Ahead
Steve Pitt made an immediate impact after joining in November. Known for his honest, grounded approach, he’s been praised for bringing stability to the squad and using the loan market wisely. His challenge now is to mould a competitive side without last season’s key contributors.
The loss of Kyrell Lisbie — son of former Charlton and Ipswich striker Kevin — will sting. He led the line brilliantly and scored crucial goals. But Pitt has retained experience and creativity, with Alan Judge and John Akinde offering leadership and guile. The midfield will again feature the energetic Vennings and Cooper, and fans will hope for more consistency from the likes of Clampin and Blackwell.
Lewis Walker’s arrival from Woking adds some forward depth, but with Akinde ageing and Lisbie gone, the need for firepower is clear.
Supporters know this will be another survival battle — and they’re up for it. There’s disappointment about losing Lisbie, but genuine appreciation for the club’s efforts to operate sensibly. Pitt’s straight-talking style has won respect, and while expectations are modest, there’s belief in the manager and the group.
Prediction
Staying up again will be seen as success — and with Pitt in charge, they’ve got a fighting chance. Much depends on finding goals from somewhere new, but Braintree are no strangers to defying odds.
Braintree Town don’t do flashy. They do hard work, honesty, and keeping things tight. Steve Pitt has started to shape the club in his image — now he needs to find someone to finish chances. If he can, the Iron could surprise a few… again.
Bookies’ Odds
100/1 – among the favourites for relegation, but not without a puncher’s chance.
