Knight opts for Cray Wanderers - EXCLUSIVE

Essex based goalkeeper Glen Knight has explained that his work commitments as a fire-fighter had forced him to quit Dover Athletic half-way through his two-year contract - but he’s back playing Ryman League Division One South football with Cray Wanderers, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 32-year-old, who lives in Orsett, has just signed for the Hayes Lane club on non-contracted terms.

And the 6ft 4in tall stopper, has explained EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk the difficulties he faced whilst making the 73-mile dash from Crabble to Plaistow, east London, to start his 6pm night-shift, often arriving late to the disapproval of his colleagues.

“What it was, it was not a case of where I live, there’s been a few changes,” he said.

“I’m a fire-fighter and I work in Plaistow, east London, a few minutes from the Blackwall tunnel.

“The problem was not where I live, but when I was a Dover, I had to finish the game and get to work.

“I supposed to get to work at 6pm (on a Saturday) and I had to get people to cover for me until I got there, which became a bit of a problem at the station - I needed to find somewhere that was 30-40 minutes from where I worked.

“My nights started at 6pm (on a Saturday) and most of the teams I could get back for 6pm, but at Dover, it was too difficult for me to get back in time.”

Knight, who arrived at Crabble from Conference South side Thurrock last summer, admitted that he’s disappointed to be leaving the club, especially with Andy Hessenthaler in charge.

“I still had a year to go on my contract at Dover,” he said. “I spoke to Hess and he wanted me to stay and play and be the number one.

“To be honest with you, I was massively impressed with Dover getting Hess as manager.

“It would have been a huge difference working with someone like that (but) the way things have gone (at work), it would have been impossible.”

Cray Wanderers, who play at Hayes Lane, Bromley, is only a 12-mile drive from the east London fire-station where he’s based.

And boss Ian Jenkins’ “enthusiasm” is the reason why the former Welling United goalkeeper has shunned a return to Blue Square Southern club Thurrock - and two other Essex teams.

“The only reason I ended up with Cray was I can get to work, and I was impressed with Jenko’s enthusiasm,” said Knight.

“When we (Dover Athletic) played them last year, we beat them twice in the league, and they looked like they had potential.

“Hopefully I can bring more experience to the side, that they were lacking, and plus, they’re always a good attacking side.”

Knight believes with him in goal, and some other quality players all over the pitch, the Wands have the players to mount a serious assault for promotion.

Jenkins has already signed big central defender Ryan Royston from Maidstone United, Aaron Day from Tooting & Mitcham United, and Mark Willy has fought his way back to fitness following his lengthy injury, and there’s experience in the side with Colin Luckett at left-back.

“At Dover last year we had the best defensive record in the league, along with Tooting,” recalled Knight.

“Mark Willy is an excellent player. Colin Luckett, who I was with at Millwall as an apprentice, has signed for another year.

“I’m not there to have it easy. It’s the same reason I signed for Dover - to try and get promotion and get out of the league.

“I know a few people in and around Cray, and they’ve told me what a good coach Joe Francis is, and the football they play, is quite impressive.

“Automatic promotion would be great, but the least we can go for is the play-off’s, looking at the squad.

“Cray’s team spirit has always stood out. In their warm-ups they are always in high spirits - a high camaraderie.”

Although Cray Wanderers report back to pre-season training on Thursday night (5^th July), Knight revealed that he’s going to miss the session due to work commitments, but he’ll be training with his new team-mates on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Bruce Badcock, the secretary of the Ryman Football League, has confirmed that their league fixtures are now expected to be published next Thursday, 12^th July.


Cray Wanderers’ pre-season friendlies:

Saturday 14^th July (away) Sevenoaks Town
Tuesday 17^th July (away) Thamesmead Town
Monday 23^rd July (away) Erith Town
Tuesday 31^st July (away) VCD Athletic
Saturday 4^th July (away) Ramsgate

Visit club websites:

www.craywands.co.uk & www.doverathletic.com