Mariners win the race to get Iron's Aswad (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Mariners win the race to get Iron's Aswad

9:47am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Local Sport By Simon Spurgeon

Aswad Thomas won't be part of Braintree Town's second campaign in the Blue Square Bet Premier after the full-back opted to join Conference rivals Grimsby Town.

The Mariners finished just one place above the Iron last season and have managed to secure the services of the 22-year-old, who made 43 appearances for Braintree last year.

A string of impressive displays throughout the campaign and five goals helped the former Charlton trainee to win the Braintree Supporters' Player-of-the-Year award at the end of last season.

It was also form that caught the eye further afield.

England C manager Paul Fairclough confirmed that Thomas had been close to getting an international call-up and Grimsby said they had had to fend off interest from other clubs to secure Thomas' services.

An undisclosed fee has been agreed between the clubs and Thomas has joined the Mariners on a two-year deal.

See the paper this week for the latest news on the Iron and a special Braintree Town 2012/13 fixture list poster.