Cray Valley unveil capture of coach Darren Anslow and striker Alife Harris

DARREN ANSLOW is back in Kent League football just a week after resigning as boss at Sevenoaks Town.




Reflecting on an eventful 12 months at Greatness Park, Anslow, now holder of the UEFA A licence, is joining Kent league rivals Cray Valley (Paper Mills) as first team coach.

Anslow told www.sevenoakstownfc.org : "I loved being at Sevenoaks and really enjoyed it . There were lows, but also some big highs, getting to the Kent Senior Trophy final, after winning at Tunbridge Wells and Herne Bay in the previous round.

"I thought the final three games of last season - against Beckenham (where we conceded a late equaliser) Erith Town and Bay showed we had turned the corner, and I was looking to - with three or four new players- to take that forward.

“I had been busy in the close season working on lots of things and ideas which I wanted to implement.

"I certainly didn't want to go there for only one season, but ultimately it was my choice to leave and we all move on. I didn’t leave on bad terms and wish everybody at Sevenoaks the best of luck."

Anslow's new job sees him join Eltham based Cray Valley, working with manager Steve Chapman.

He said: "Three Kent League clubs contacted me soon after the news I was leaving Sevenoaks came out.

"I have known Steve since I was a kid, and looking forward to the new challenge. The club is just around the corner from where I live at the moment, although I am in the process of moving.

Several former Oaks players could follow Anslow as well.  Injured striker Richmond Kissi could be one, but is still recovering from suffering damaged ankle ligaments against Woodstock Sports.

Kissi's former Charlton team-mate San Gent is another - now fit after knee surgery that ended his season early.

Meanwhile defender Fraser Cronin, one of Oaks and Anslow's biggest successes in a disappointing League campaign, is preparing to leave for the United States to take up a football scholarship.

Chapman has been busy to bring quality to Middle Park Avenue for the club’s second campaign in the Kent League.

“With the exception of Quinten Conteh, who was on loan from Welling, all of the players that finished last season will be re-signing,” said Chapman, who has enticed a prolific striker to the club from Kent Invicta League neighbours Phoenix Sports.

He said: “We’ll only look to be strengthening in selected areas.

“Alfie Harris will be joining us from Phoenix Sports and Paul Votier has returned to the club.

“Pre-season has already started and several players are trialing.”

Two other former Oaks players Aiden Sherlock and goalkeeper Simon Overland have joined Ryman League Division One South Faversham Town.

Visit Sevenoaks Town’s website: www.sevenoakstownfc.org

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.cray-valley.co.uk