Pre-season training has been going well, says Cray Valley boss Steve Chapman

CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) manager Steve Chapman says his players are fighting fit this pre-season.


The Eltham outfit begin their warm-up sessions with a home game against Sussex County League side East Grinstead Town – on the second pitch – on Saturday, before welcoming Ryman League Division One South side Dulwich Hamlet on Thursday, 12 July.

Chapman appointed former Sevenoaks Town boss Darren Anslow, who still runs the Academy at Ryman Premier League Cray Wanderers, as his coach and is already reaping the benefits.

He said:  “Pre-season training has been going well and already the players are looking sharp.

“Darren has put on some excellent sessions – hard but enjoyable!

“We’ve been doing three sessions a week and the numbers have been good.

“I’d be disappointed though if they hadn’t with the lure of Kent League football.”

Looking ahead to the club’s first two friendlies, Chapman, who led Cray Valley to eleventh-place in their first season in the Kent League last season said, “We should be able to field strong teams against East Grinstead and Dulwich Hamlet as most of the players are available for selection.

“The East Grinstead game will have to be played on our back pitch as construction work on our second stand won’t be completed in time so we’re not charging a gate.

“Don’t expect too many new faces in the starting line up as all of the players that have re-signed are available.”

Chapman has already unveiled the signing of Paul Voiter, who had resumed his playing career following a year out through work-commitments, and has today announced that former Bromley Academy striker, Chris McGinty, 19, has arrived from Kent County League outfit Coney Hall.

Chapman added: ““I am looking to strengthen the squad though and there will be chances for a number of trailists on Saturday.

“I’m a firm believer of being honest with players and I don’t want to hold onto the unsuccessful ones too long preventing them from finding another club.”

All of Cray Valley’s pre-season programme is being held on home soil and they also face Chatham Town (19 July), Rye United (21 July), Cray Wanderers (28 July) and Hollands & Blair (1 August).

Chapman, whose side could be dark horses for the Kent League title this season, going by the ground improvements being made at the club, praised his club secretary by saying, “We’re hosting all of our pre-season friendlies at Badgers and Dave Wilson has managed to attract some decent opposition.”

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

Cray Valley (Paper Mills)  v  East Grinstead Town
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 7^th July 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Badgers Sports Ground, Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5HT