Former Chelsea starlet Brian Galach is spending pre-season with Braintree Town in a bid to earn a contract and work his way back up the footballing ladder.

Brian, 16, has attended several UK Football Trial events in the last few months and has received interest on almost every occasion.

The pacey striker, who has represented Poland u16’s, has previously had trials with Stoke City, Reading, Birmingham City and Blackpool after promising performances at our events, but he’s now turning his attention to the non-league.

Braintree Town, who play in the National League South, returned to pre-season training recently and Brian has been training and playing with the first team, featuring in two matches so far including a 25 minute substitute appearance in a 5-0 win over Newmarket Town.

Brian’s Dad, Bob, said: “He is obviously very young but he’s doing well and enjoying the challenge of playing with men.

“It’s a very different style of football to what he has experienced in the past at pro academies but it’s a very important step for him and hopefully he’ll be able to make the most of it."

We’ve been working with Brian for just over a year since his release from Leyton Orient and towards the end of last season, Brian - who spent 2 years at Chelsea as a youngster – played several games for the u18’s at Ryman League side Enfield Town, where he scored 5 goals in a scintillating 45 minute debut.

It does however, remain unclear where Brian will be playing his football this season, with several clubs from the Football League and Championship also monitoring his situation.

Away from his regular football training, Brian will often be found at his local athletics centre, doing sprints and working on his fitness.

When he had his trial with Stoke City last year he came out top of the fitness tests – higher than all the academy players at the time.

Former West Brom and Port Vale player Mark Grew, who coached Brian at our trials, described his as “an excellent prospect.”

“As a coach, you can see the three or four players that stand out for you quite early on,” said Mark, “Even in the warm up you could tell he had a good left and right foot.

“He was technically excellent in the session and then in the game he scored one and set up one; his pace and power is immense.

Mark added: “He’s an excellent prospect and I’m very hopeful that things will work out for him.”

Speaking back in May, Bob described the non-league as the “back door” and considered it a distinct possibility for his son.

He said: “Brian is getting older and this will be his last chance to get into an academy, but here are other options of course, the back door - non-league – these are things to consider when you are too old for an academy."

Robert added: “UK Football Trials have helped him a lot, he has been scouted every time he’s been to a trial and for me it is the best company in the UK for helping boys find a club.”