Kentish Football 
I've spent all of my budget, admits promotion chasing Jenkins - EXCLUSIVE
Cray Wanderers player-manager Ian Jenkins is confident that defender Dean Morris will remain at Hayes Lane to help mount a serious promotion bid next season, writes Stephen McCartney.
When www.kentishfootball.co.uk contacted Jenkins earlier today, he was unable to chat as he was in a meeting with the player.
But later this evening, Jenkins said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “I was only speaking to Dean Morris, one from last year. He will be (signing) - but he hasn’t signed yet.”
Jenkins revealed Adam Young hasn’t re-signed for the Ryman League Division One South club, but he’s looking to capture a goalkeeper from their Kent rivals once his target returns from holiday.
“All the ones from last year, apart from Adam Young, have all put pen to paper, so I’m well happy,” he said.
Cray Wanderers have already signed Ryan Royston (Maidstone United) and Aaron Day (Tooting & Mitcham United) - two defenders who impressed in this division last season - and powerful striker George Fenwick has arrived from rivals Ashford Town.
And influential winger Ross Lover, who was expected to leave the club to play at a higher level, has also re-signed for the club.
And it’s his new back-line that should help plug the leakages that will enable the side push for promotion next season - but he will face tough opposition from Dover Athletic, Ashford Town, Dulwich Hamlet and Tooting & Mitcham United for the two promotion berths.
“The main reasons players are coming to us, is that they know what we’re all about.”
Jenkins hailed the return of Mark Willy as “massive”, as the former Wimbledon, Bromley central defender, out for the majority of last season due to injury, put pen to paper last night.
He said: “We missed him big-time and he’s really key. He’s buzzing and can’t wait to get going again - he’s a massive signing as well.
“A lot of managers put things down to injuries and suspensions, but if you lose four or five key players at a time, it’s hard to replace them - we under achieved last season.
“I’ve got a few players coming pre-season to have a look at these players (who) have been recommended to me.”
But like many managers at this time of the year, Jenkins is keeping his cards very close to his chest.
“I can’t really tell you at the moment (but) they have promised me they will come along,” he said.
“You just have to see what they’re like. You know what it’s like, you get thousands turn-up at pre-season.”
Jenkins feels Dartford’s controversial move to Ryman League Division One North will help Tony Burman’s side clinch promotion as Jenkins admits the Southern division is a lot “tougher.”
“Dartford have had a result to be honest with you, going over to the lesser league,” he said.
On Ryman One South, he added: “It’s a tough old league. You only have to see in recent years, how close it’s been.
“It’s all about consistency. You go through a season without any injuries or suspensions, you will be there or there abouts.”
Jenkins, who celebrates his 40th birthday next Saturday, explained why he’ll be running with reduced numbers next season and that he, and assistant Joe Francis, will sign Ryman League registration forms.
“A little less, about sixteen or seventeen players this year (will be in my squad). Me and Joey will sign as well, (so we’ll) get as fit as we can,” he said.
“The budget is well and truly dented so we can’t bring that many more. I will be looking at the reserves for players and some fringe players and see how we get on.
“The budget hasn’t been reduced, it’s used. The players I’ve signed don’t come cheap!”
Jenkins’ budget would probably be increased if more fans watched their home games at Hayes Lane, Bromley.
A total number of 3,670 watched their home league games last season, which is an average of 175 - the lowest supported Kent club in the division.
Visit Cray Wanderers website: www.craywands.co.uk
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