Cray Valley boss Paul Gross unveils Tommy Osborne as his first signing

The Millers returned to Badgers for their opening pre-season training session at Badgers yesterday afternoon, with Gross overseeing proceedings for the first time.

Gross, who was assisted by Martin Barnard, Dan Frost, Mark Edwards and John Waurzeski, put the players through their paces in the June sunshine.

Following the session, Gross announced that versatile player Osborne, 34, had signed for the Millers after leaving Ryman League Division One South Hythe Town at the end of last season.

“Ozzy is just one of the players I am targeting for the club,” said Gross.

“I’ve been speaking with him since I was appointed manager and after yesterday’s session, he’s decided to put pen to paper and I’m absolutely thrilled he has agreed to join us.

“He brings a wealth of experience to the club and will be a vauled asset.

“I’m looking forward to working with Ozzy and he’ll be a great leader for the younger lads in the squad.”

Gross added that more signings would be announced in due course as he prepares for his first season in charge of the Southern Counties East Football League club.

The versatile defender has previously turned out for Gillingham, Hastings, Dartford, Cray Wanderers, Billericay Town, Chatham Town, Thamesemad Town, Margate and Maidstone United.

Meanwhile, the Southern Counties East Football League held their Annual General Meeting yesterday, and as expected Erith & Belvedere (relegated from Ryman League), Croydon, Crowborough Athletic and Lingfield were welcomed into the League.

The meeting also voted to welcome Kent Invicta League champions Hollands & Blair “should they be successful with their FA appeal” on Thursday.

The League have increased the fees for match officials with referees getting a £3 increase to £33 and assistants picking up another £5 each, with fees going up to £25 each.

The League Cup will be a one-legged affair throughout the competition, other than the semi-finals, which will be a two-legged affair.

The Conference have announced that they will publish their fixture lists on Monday, 7 July, with the Ryman League expected to publish theirs week commencing 14 July.

A statement from the Southern Counties East Football League said: “Each League in the National League System has to await the publication of the fixtures of more senior Legaues.  So, the Football Conference must wait for the Premier League and Football League.  They have recenrly published so the Conference will be next.  There is usually a two-week gap between publications.

“The Ryman (Isthmian) League expect to publish their fixtures in mid-July and ours will come out after they are out. Expect ours, therefore, in late July.”

The Conference, Ryman, Southern Counties East Football League and Kent Invicta League’s all kick-off on Saturday, 9 August 2014.

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