HE'S been there, got the T-shirt and a medal – but now he is hungry for more, writes Dave Wright.

Bracknell Town appear to have acquired an excellent signing in centre-back Matt Day.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed great success in non-league football with Hungerford, Wealdstone and Slough, having started his career on YTS forms at Portsmouth before becoming a professional with Oxford United from 2006 for three seasons.

“Matty is a great signing for us,” said player-manager Carl Davies.

“He is a very experienced player and will be a big asset to our squad.”

The pair have known each other for many years, having played together at Hungerford and even worked alongside each other off the field.

Day spent nearly eight years with the Crusaders before joining Wealdstone at the start of last season, but finishing it with Slough.

“They wanted someone with experience as they were looking to get into the play-offs, which they did, and I was happy to help them get promotion,” said Day, who has twice been selected for the Southern League’s team of the season.

“I went back for pre-season training, but things didn’t quite work out.

“Carl (Davies) got to hear about it and gave me a call. I knew Bracknell had a good set-up and they want to go further up the leagues.

“He told me to come and enjoy my football, which I wanted to do, and so here I am.

“Last season, I was moving about. I played games, but couldn’t really settle.

“I have come here to get myself fit, get myself settled and concentrate on my football.”

Day trained at Larges Lane last week before playing in their friendly against Evo-Stik League side Banbury United last Saturday, which the Robins lost 3-0.

Striker Gavin James, who has joined Robins from Thatcham Town, also featured in the game as a triallist.

Bracknell News:

Gavin James, left, has signed for Bracknell Town.

Day added: “There is a good group of lads here and I think they will do well this season. I can’t wait to get started.”

Davies, who played alongside Day in the first half, commented: “I was impressed by him. He is experienced and is a good talker on the pitch.

“He doesn’t appear to exert energy, he doesn’t need to, as he knows where the ball is going to go and is there. He is two steps ahead of some people. He did well, I was impressed.”

The Robins manager said he is very happy with the number of signings he has so far made and one or two more could well follow.

He confessed: “I have made some signings I never expected I would be able to make, so that is pleasing.”

Day is set to return to National League South side Hungerford this Saturday when Bracknell continue their pre-season preparations.