The club means business and we want to make a swift return, says Cray Wanderers boss Keith Bird

Tuesday 05th August 2014

CRAY WANDERERS manager Keith Bird says he wants his side to make a swift return to the Ryman Premier League at the end of the season.

The Wands open their Ryman League Division One North campaign with a home game against AFC Sudbury at Hayes Lane on Saturday, looking to bounce back at the first attempt after spending five years in the Premier.

Bird, 47, who left his role as reserve team manager at Conference South landlords Bromley to become the club’s first team manager at the end of September 2013, saw his side finish at the foot of the table last season as the club suffered only their second ever relegation in their history.

“We came to the club as part of a five-year project to progress the club on and off the field,” Bird told the club’s website.

“We were disappointed to be relegated last season but the club means business in 2014-15 and we are aiming for a swift return to the Ryman Premier Division and hopefully to proress beyond that in the future.”

The club have brought in several experienced players to Hayes Lane, including target-man Shaun Welford, 35, and midfield general Danny Lye, 33, who both arrive from Ryman League Division One South side Hythe Town.

Former Dulwich Hamlet striker Ian Daly, 24, and former Millwall midfielder Pat O’Connor, 23, have also signed for the club.

A club statement added: “It is hoped that the disappointments from last season will ultimately lead to a sustained period of success comparable to the clubs rise from the Kent League in 2004 to the Ryman Premier League in the space of five years.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/craywands

Cray Wanderers v AFC Sudbury
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 9^th August 2014
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR 2 9EF