There may be one or two more departures in the coming weeks but we’ll deal with that situation when, and if, it arises, says Cray Valley boss James Collins

CRAY VALLEY (PAPER MILLS) manager James Collins fears there may be a couple of departures from his cup winning squad.

Ashley Sains, Ben Francis, Alistair Gordon, Joe Matthews, Danny Smith, Laurence Collins, Jamie Miller, Jason Thompson, Denzel Gayle and Taylor McDonagh have all agreed deals to re-sign for the club next season.

The Millers have lost goalkeeper Jordan Carey, who has signed for their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division rivals Sheppey United but Collins has signed Rob French as his replacement. 

“I am delighted to have signed Rob French from Sevenoaks Town, who I know did well for the club a couple of season’s ago and is a very, very good goalkeeper,” said Collins.

“I have also agreed terms with three or four other players, but I can’t name them just yet as I don’t want to alert other club’s that they are available!

“Of course, a couple of players have decided to leave the club and I would like to thank Jamie Wood, Frankie Griffin, Tom Fitzgerald and Jordan Carey for playing their part in a great season for me and the club and I wish them all well for the future.

“There may be one or two more departures in the coming weeks but we’ll deal with that situation when, and if, it arises.”

The Eltham based club finished a personal best of fourth-place last season, as well as winning the London Senior Cup (Sponsored by Coventry Scaffolding) for the first time in their history.

Collins giant-killers defeated four higher league clubs in the shape of  Welling United, AFC Wimbledon, Dulwich Hamlet and Metropolitan Police to become the first club at their level to win the prestigious trophy.

Meanwhile, the club have enticed phsio Courtney Dobson away from relegated Erith & Belvedere.

The club report back for pre-season training on Wednesday 28 June and Collins returns to a former club, Sutton Athletic, for the Millers opening pre-season friendly on Saturday 8 July (15:00).