Bromley sign Frankie Raymond: Bromley is my local team and once I heard the manager wanted me here, I wanted to be here

BROMLEY boss Neil Smith has unveiled the signing of Chislehurst-born Frankie Raymond, following his release from their Vanarama National League rivals Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 24-year-old midfielder becomes Smith’s ninth summer signing in addition to six of last season’s Bromley squad who have signed new deals as the club prepare for their third season in the top-flight of non-league football.


Bromley manager Neil Smith welcomes midfielder
Frankie Raymond to Hayes Lane, with the pitch being
converted into an artifical playing surface.
Photo: Bromley FC

Raymond began his career at Reading in the youth set up and following his release in 2012 went on to sign for Gillingham on a short-term basis before joining Eastbourne Borough, where he went on to make over 60 appearances.

He signed for Dagenham & Redbridge in 2014 for an undisclosed transfer fee and was loaned back to Eastbourne Borough for the remainder of the season.

Following his return to The Daggers, he went on to make over 48 appearances for the Essex club before he was released at the end of last season.

“I’m delighted to have signed Frankie, he is someone I have kept an eye on for a long time and I tried to get him before he went to Dagenham,” Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv.

“With his contract up at Dagenham we put forward a proposal and shared where the club is going and how we are getting there and he wants to be part of that challenge.”

Raymond added: “I can’t wait to get started. Bromley is my local team and once I heard the manager wanted me here, I wanted to be here.  I hope I can help push the team as far as we can this season.”

Raymond used to play for Glebe and owns the gym at the newly-promoted Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club at their Foxbury Avenue ground in Chislehurst.

Bromley captain Jack Holland lives in West Wickham, while summer signing, former Crystal Palace and Cambridge United goalkeeper David Gregory resides in Biggin Hill, while Smith manages his home-town club.

Smith guided the Hayes Lane outfit to their highest ever league position of tenth-place on 62 points last season and has signed players from Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham this summer.

The Ravens are celebrating their 125^th anniversary this season and open their artificial playing surface when their Premier League rivals Crystal Palace visit Hayes Lane on Saturday 29 July (15:00).

The Eagles are also sending a team down to Eden Park Avenue to play Beckenham Town on the same day, that pre-season friendly kicking off at 12:00.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv