HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS are on the verge of signing MALDON & TIPTREE striker Chris Bryan - two days before the sides meet in their Boxing Day derby.

New Swifts boss Jody Brown is close to bringing his former Halstead Town player to Scraley Road.

And assuming the paperwork goes through later today, as expected, he will play some part in the rivals’ festive duel at Park Drive (kick-off 1pm).

“Chris is a proven goal-scorer and it would be great to have him on board,” said Brown, who was Maldon’s assistant manager until May.

“We’ve got a seven-day approach in and hopefully we’ll get the paperwork done in time.

“On a personal note, I’m really looking forward to it.

“If I’m honest, it’s not ideal going back to my old club for my first game in charge.

“But I’ll look forward to seeing some old friends and going back to somewhere I had some great times and was very happy.”