BARIS Altintop has left Braintree Town after agreeing to join Northern Irish club Larne FC.

The Iron promotion-winning captain has spent the last two seasons at Cressing Road but is now leaving for pastures new.

The 23-year-old defender played a big part in helping Braintree win promotion to the National League via the play-offs, last season.

 

Writing on social media, he said: 'After captaining the side to promotion I'm leaving on a real high.

'I'd like to thank the fans massively for all the support and help that you have given me over the last 2 seasons!

'I've had a really good opportunity come up and it's hard not to take.

'But I know I'm leaving the club in a better place than when I first came.

'I'd like to thank the staff at the club for all efforts they have put into me.

'Wish the club the best of luck.'

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Altintop had been in contract talks with Braintree but the former Bury Town player has opted to join reigning Sports Direct Premiership champions Larne.

Writing on social media, Braintree boss Angelo Harrop said: 'Cannot speak highly enough of my skipper from last season @altintop_baris, deserves this opportunity.

'Another player that we have developed and is now progressing in his footballing career'.

Altintop was named in the National League South team of the season for 2023-24, following his outstanding campaign with Braintree.

 

In a statement, Braintree Town said: 'We would like to announce that we were not able to agree terms with Baris Altintop to remain at the club for the 24/25 season after he received an offer from a full-time club in another league.

'Everyone at Braintree Town wishes him and his family all the best, they will always be welcomed at Braintree with open arms.

'Once an Iron always an Iron'.

Larne first-team boss Tiernan Lynch says he is pleased to have made Altintop his second signing of the summer window.

 

He told the club's website: “We’re really pleased to add Baris to our group.

“We had been on the look out for another defender to bring into the squad and having seen Baris up close for the last week, including the game against Bala, he fits in very well with what we are looking for.

“He is coming off the back of a great season at Braintree, which was impressive for both him and the club.

“Baris also comes us having been the captain there at 23 years of age, which says a lot about his character and mentality.”