Braintree Town Signs Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Following Release from Prison
Braintree Town, a club in the National League, has officially signed Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has been included in the matchday squad for their upcoming game against Truro City. This signing comes five months after he was released from prison for drug smuggling.
Chairman Lee Harding stated in an interview with BBC Essex that the former Arsenal and Ipswich Town striker has "repaid his debt to society" following the signing of an undisclosed contract after a brief stint with AFC Totton.
Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, served over 10 months of a four-year sentence for orchestrating the importation of £600,000 worth of cannabis.
Manager Steve Pitt revealed that he had been in discussions with the striker's agent while Emmanuel-Thomas was still incarcerated but felt that the timing was not right at that moment.
Pitt commented, "After speaking with Jimmy Ball at AFC Totton a few weeks ago and knowing that Jay was looking to relocate, I decided to evaluate his situation. Both myself and assistant manager Karl Duguid believe he still has a lot to offer and we look forward to him contributing to our efforts to remain in the National League."
Braintree currently sits at the bottom of the league table and will host relegation rivals Truro City this afternoon at 15:03 GMT, with Emmanuel-Thomas listed as a substitute.