Cray Valley: The club’s committee have decided that a change in manager is required to try and ensure the best possible chance of promotion next season

CRAY VALLEY (Paper Mills) begin the search for a new manager after parting company with Tommy Osborne after 27 games in charge of the club.

The Millers were held to a 2-2 home draw by Sheppey United on the final day of the Isthmian League South East Division season but had to settle for a sixth-place finish on 66 points from their 38 games.

Chatham Town celebrated winning promotion in to the Isthmian League Premier Division after claiming the league title on 79 points.

Ramsgate (72 points), Whitehawk (69), Beckenham Town (68) and Hythe Town (67) finished in the play-offs and Whitehawk won promotion after two 1-0 home wins over Beckenham Town and Hythe Town.

“Tommy, who took over the reins of the club following Kevin Watson’s departure in November 2022, narrowly failed to deliver a play-off spot for the club and the club’s committee have decided that a change in manager is required to try and ensure the best possible chance of promotion next season,” said a club statement.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to Tommy for his contribution to the club following his many years of service as a player, coach and manager and we wish him every success with his future endeavours.

“With the new season fast approaching the club expects to be in a position to announce a replacement very shortly.”

The club had announced that Julien Anau, Sonny Black, Tom Chambers, Adam Coombes, Anthony Edgar, Denzel Gayle, Hassan Ibrahiym, Vinnie Medhurst, Kiki Oshilaja, Kershaney Samuels, Cem Tymkaya and Barney Williams have been retained for next season.

Osborne won 15, drew four and lost eight of his 27 games in charge of the club in all competitions.

The former Dartford full-back was assisted by former Ebbsfleet United centre-half Paul Lorraine.

Visit Cray Valley’s website: www.crayvalleypmfc.com