THE BIG KICK OFF: Cray Wanderers sign Chapman to help promotion bid - EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Cray Wanderers’ players are certainly going to be fit going into their Ryman League Division One South opener against Whyteleafe at Hayes Lane on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ian Jenkins’ men have played only four pre-season friendlies this summer, as matches at Sevenoaks Town and Beckenham Town were cancelled.

“A bit annoying mate to be honest with you,” Jenkins said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after their matches at Greatness Park and Eden Park Avenue were cancelled.

“But obviously without games, players aren’t getting injured, so I’ve got a fit squad to pick from - I’m quite happy with it.

“Probably too much training, a bit too much, but they’ve looked really sharp in training - everything’s looking good for Saturday.”

Surrey outfit Whyteleafe arrive at Hayes Lane on Saturday, and Jenkins only has one thing on his mind.

“Three points would be nice!” he said. “Everyone’s looking for three points this stage of the season.

“Being at home and with the squad that I’ve got available, three points is a must.”

And on Whyteleafe, Jenkins added: “They won’t be too dissimilar to last year - a hard working side.”

Jenkins has signed some quality players to enable the Bromley based club push towards the play-offs’ - with promotion as champions his ultimate aim.

“We’re looking play-off’s and above to be honest,” he said. “If we can get into the play-off’s that’s all well and good but we’re looking to get promoted.

“If we keep players fit and free from suspension, we should be allright.

“That’s what caused us problems last year with injuries. We would have been in the play-off’s last year, but we lost key players.”

Jenkins has signed goalkeeper Glen Knight (Dover Athletic), defenders Ryan Royston (Maidstone United), Aaron Day (Tooting & Mitcham United), Tyrone Sterling (Thamesmead Town), midfielder, Danny Chapman (ex-Dover Athletic) and striker George Fenwick (Ashford Town).

Jenkins is delighted to have been able to secure the services of Chapman.

“He’s full of experience, he’s a winner,” he said. “It’s like (having) a manager on the pitch. He says it how it is, he’ll be good for us, got experience at a higher level.”

And Jenkins believes Sterling will push Colin Luckett all the way for the left-back slot.

“We played against Thamesmead in pre-season and he impressed then,” he explained. “Ryan Royston knows him well and he’s come pre-season and (he’s) pushing Colin for a place at left-back.”

Jenkins is delighted that he’s signed the former Fisher Athletic youngster, giving him a chance to play in the Ryman League after impressing in the Kent League last term.

“I think that’s the main reason he’s come to us - to play at a higher level,” said Jenkins.

“We’ve got some great players. I think they’ve all added to a very strong squad anyway.

“We’ve strengthened in areas where I think we needed strengthening, the players I got were the best available.”

Jenkins urges more fans to watch the club in action at their base at Hayes Lane in Bromley.

“I think the only thing I can do is give them something to watch,” he said. “Give them a decent team to watch and entertaining football.”

But Jenkins would like home comforts, playing at a ground of their own.

“If we were in the Sidcup area, we would get 250-300 easy I think,” he said.

“Gary (Hillman, the club’s chairman) is trying to get a venue, I think they’ve put planning in for the club where our reserve sides play, Oxford Road, so it’s a case of hanging around and wait for the details to come through.

“You hear things, we’ve always had these people talk about moving and nothing comes of it - I take it with a pinch of salt.

On groundsharing at Bromley, Jenkins said: “It’s probably got a little bit more difficult as Bromley have been successful.

“When we were in the same league we had some understanding with them, but since they’ve got promoted (to the Blue Square South), we seem to be the little club sharing.

“I haven’t been there since the last game of last season, but we’ll go there on Saturday and treat it as home.

“Pushed out. That’s not the word. Sharing with them is a bit of a hindrance.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk

Cray Wanderers v Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 18^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EFKick Off 3:00pm

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