CHELMSFORD City have completed the signings of Lee Barnard, Paul Rogers and Michael West ahead of the new season.

Former Southend United and Southampton striker Barnard joins the Clarets having spent a season with Essex neighbours Braintree Town.

The 32-year-old striker made 35 appearances for The Iron last season, netting three times as the Cressing Road side were relegated to the National League South.

And the Romford-born forward said he was delighted to join Chelmsford and work under manager Rod Stringer.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “It’s a big club, a local club for me, and I’m really excited to get started now.

“I have spoken to Rod [Stringer] before. I know about the club, it’s ambition, and it’s something that I want to be a part of.

“I’m 32 now, even at my age I want to win things and do well. The whole thing about Chelmsford is going in the right direction and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Rodgers also makes the move to the Melbourne Community Stadium, having come through the Arsenal youth system and played in non-league for the likes of Billericay Town, Farnborough and Bromley, who he helped win promotion to the National League.

“Why would I want to go to any other club?,” he said. “We have to look at getting promoted now and that’s what I want to do.”

Twenty-six year-old West joins the Clarets having been a trainee with Fulham.

Recently released by Ebbsfleet, West has just returned from a long-term injury.

“I’ve always thought Chelmsford were one of the bigger teams in the league and it’s good to sign,” he said.