Buckle confirms interest in Branston and Essam

Town boss Paul Buckle has confirmed his interest in the central defensive duo of Guy Branston and Connor Essam, writes Mike Simmonds.

Branston, 33, was released by Aldershot Town last week but was captain when Buckle was boss at Torquay, leading them to the League Two play-offs and winning the club’s 2010-11 player of the season award.

After admitting he was after a central defensive leader in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Buckle followed that up on Monday by saying: “I like Guy, I’ve not seen Guy play for a while, but I feel I got the best out of him.

Essam was on loan at Kenilworth Road earlier in the campaign, making nine appearances before returning to Gillingham, where he has since been told he can leave on a free transfer.

Speaking exclusively to the News/Gazette, Buckle said: “I’ve not moved on anything like that because the game’s are coming up, but I like Connor.”

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