Chelmsford City defender Ed Tassell signs for Mildenhall Town after struggling to break into Cambridge City starting line-up this season

Mildenhall Town manager Phil Weavers is ‘absolutely delighted’ to have added Ed Tassell to his squad.

Having risen through the ranks at Cambridge City, the centre-back made his senior debut for the Lilywhites at the age of just 16.

His performances at the heart of the City defence duly captured the attention of National League South outfit Chelmsford City, who secured his services during the summer.

As part of that deal, Tassell remained on Cambridge City’s books on a dual registration basis, but having struggled to gain regular minutes as part of Jamie Cureton’s starting line-up so far this season, the 18-year-old has now sealed a switch to fellow Isthmian League North Division side Mildenhall.

“We are absolutely delighted to get Ed in. We have been a little light at centre-half since the summer with Butch (Luke Butcher, former captain) leaving, but we didn’t want to rush into signing just anyone as we have some good lads in there already who are more than capable,” said Weavers.

“Ed fits the profile of what we are looking for in terms of his age and ability and for someone so young, he’s got great pedigree at the level already and it feels like he’s been around forever.

“This one had nothing to do with the clubs though, and everything to do with what was best for Ed. It was a really tough decision for him. Cambridge City is a club very close to his heart and he’s been there a long long time, but he wants to play regular first-team football and I think he felt the circumstances here at Mildenhall were more conducive to him achieving that than those at City. That was ultimately the deciding factor when it came down to it.

“It’s now our responsibility to take care of him and help develop him into the player that he has the potential to become. We encourage our lads to be progressive in all walks of life so we will certainly support his affiliation with Chelmsford City, which will hopefully one day allow him to make the jump up the levels.”

Tassell could make his Mildenhall debut tomorrow in the FA Trophy tie at Stotfold.