Soccer Shorts: Newly-appointed Cray Wanderers boss Danny Kedwell appoints Andy Drury as his player-assistant

Here are today's Soccer Shorts articles.

BECKENHAM TOWN have lost the services of goalkeeper Michael McEntegart, 31, who has signed for Combined Counties League Premier Division side Guildford City, who are managed by former Greenwich Borough boss Paul Barnes.

CRAY WANDERERS’ newly-appointed manager Danny Kedwell has appointed Andy Drury, 37, as his player-assistant manager.  Drury, a striker, arrived at Hayes Lane following a spell at Sittingbourne during the 2020-21 campaign before it was curtailed.

The Wands have lost strikers Joe Taylor and Freddie Parker, who have both joined Tony Russell and Joe Vines at their Isthmian League Premier Division side Lewes.

Kedwell has snapped up two centre-halves in the shape of former Hythe Town centre-half, Dean Beckwith, 37, and former Romford man Ejiro Okosieme, 28 and wing-back Harvey Brand has agreed to sign for the club too.

CROYDON manager Liam Giles has appointed Sean Boothe as his new first-team coach after his departure from their Southern Counties East Football League First Division rivals Meridian VP.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have confirmed the departure of left-back Bobby-Joe Taylor, 26, whom has signed for their National League South rivals Dorking Wanderers.

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager James Collins has retained the services club captain Harry Harding, 29.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA goalkeeper Henry Newcombe has left Cheriton Road to move to Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Chatham Town, replacing the retired Jordan Carey.

Newcombe made 18 appearances for Neil Cugley’s side over two seasons, keeping four clean sheets.

“We are obviously disappointed to lose Henry, but we understand the circumstances and obviously he needs to be playing every week,” Cugley told the Invicta website.

“We made sure we have a percentage sell on clause, that is how highly we rate him and we expect him to kick on now he’s able to play regularly.

“He is a good lad who handles himself well. Chatham are ambitious and want to get themselves up leagues and he will get a regular game.”

GILLINGHAM manager Steve Evans has released seven players this summer.

Sacha Bastien, Jack Bonham, Jordan Graham, Tyreke Johnson, Connor Ogilvie, Dominic Samuel and Matty Willock have all been released.

The League One outfit revealed that Bonham, Ogilvie and Graham were offered new contracts but after negotiations the contracts were rejected.

Loanees Robbie Cundy, Olly Lee and Tommy O’Connor have all returned to their parent clubs.

John Akinde and Christian Maghoma are under contract next season but have been made available for transfer.

Kyle Dempsey, Ryan Jackson, Alex MacDonald, Robbie McKenzie, Stuart O’Keefe, Vadaine Oliver and Jack Tucker are under contract next season and so are under 23 trio, Harvey Lintott, Gerald Sithole and Henry Woods.

HERNE BAY manager Ben Smith has retained the services of winger Kieron Campbell and centre-half Laurence Harvey.

HOLLANDS & BLAIR manager Simon Halsey begins the search for a new assistant manager/coach to replace the departed Luke Harvey and a new goalkeeper coach for the Gillingham-based Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division side.

MARGATE manager Jay Saunders continues his squad rebuilding by signing former Sevenoaks Town winger, James Bessey-Saldanha.

“James is a player I’ve known about for a while,” Saunders told Margate’s website.

“I noticed him when he played against us for Bearsted and quickly identified him as a player with tonnes of potential. He made the step up to join Sevenoaks Town and Micky Collins and joining us is the next step forward.

“He’s played in every one of our run-outs in recent weeks and his potential and ability is something I’m really excited by and think supporters will be too.

“James is a quick, tricky player who will cause opposition problems and I think our fans will really take to him at Hartsdown Park.”

TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Steve McKimm has retained the services of striker Tommy Wood, 22.  Wood impressed while on loan from AFC Wimbledon, scoring six goals in 19 appearances for the National League South side before the 2020-21 campaign was brought to a halt.

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Lloyd Blackman has lost the services of coach Steve Nolan, who has left the Isthmian League South East Division club due to relocating to Dorset.

Ben Harding, 36, a midfielder, was previously at Truro City and has been involved in Academy coaching. He has recently moved to Kent and has been made player-coach at the Belmont.

Blackman told Whitstable’s website: “I have been speaking to Ben Harding for the last six weeks and I’m delighted to have him on board.

“He adds valuable experience to the young group on the pitch as well as being an outstanding young coach whom the players have been impressed with and taken really well to.

“He’s had a great career within the professional game and will be an excellent addition to our playing squad.

“Ben will be replacing Steve Nolan, who very sadly will be leaving the Belmont due to locating. He’s a thoroughly professional coach and one I’ve learned a lot from.  Steve will always be welcome back at the Belmont and everyone at the club sends their best wishes.”