Stuart Rawlins comes back to his Chipstead roots

CHIPSTEAD manager Lee Roots has today confirmed the return of versatile midfielder Stuart Rawlins.

Rawlins is no stranger to the Kent County League club having played for Chipstead on many occasions for many years, playing and competing for the club in the Kent Intermediate Shield Final against Hollands & Blair in what was the club’s 75^th anniversary year when his father Eddie Rawlings was first team manager.

Roots told the club’s website: “It’s no secret that I’ve been chasing Stuart for some time now to come back and once again re-sign for the club since I took over.

“Unfortunately a deal couldn’t be agreed last season but I’m thoroughly delighted to announce a new deal has been done and the prodigal son has agreed to re-sign for next season.

“Stuart is a fantastic player, he is very versatile, can play in a number of positions, he’s big and strong with huge amounts of quality in his game and has lots of experience under his belt within the Kent County Football Leagues.

“I know he will improve us immensely and will always give his all for the club from minute one to minute 95.

“I can’t wait to see him back down at Chevening Road when he steps out on the pitch and makes his second debut for Chipstead.

“One of our lost sons has finally returned. Welcome home Stuart.”

Over ten players have finished at the foot of the Kent County League Premier Division have pledged their future to the club.

Liam Smith, James Potts, Diva Mbaya, Charlie Hacksall, Ryan Tierney, Aaron Hutchings, Fred Dill, Matt Vance, Tom Whealon, Ocen Toya and Matt Lockett just to name a few, have all confirmed privately and personally with Roots.

However, Joe Flarry leaves the club this summer with an University move to Bournemouth pending, but the club expect him to return at some point.

Roots revealed today that he is unsure what division the club shall be playing in next season after the club won four and drew a couple of their 28 league games.

He said: “We don’t know at the moment.  We were told the leagues may be restructured and also not many teams have the grounds etc to be eligible to come up.

“Apparently we hear on June 18^th. I’m preparing for both situations but obviously would love to retain our Premier Division status so we’re unsure who, if any, they will relegate.

“But we’re in a great position to go and compete in that division again. I’ve made lots of changes at the club, all for the good.”

The managers of Otford United and Ide Hill have previously said that they want to switch from Kent County League Division One East to play more local clubs in the Western Division.

Mitcham born Roots, 30, leads an interesting life because when he’s not managing in the Kent County League, he’s performing under his stage name London Roots, aka Mr Rootsy, a UK award nominated urban rapper/signer/recording artist.



HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE: Chipstead manager Lee Roots
Photo: Twitter

Roots added: “We’re also having £30,000 proposed worth of drainage on our pitch this summer so the pitch should be fantastic next year.”

Visit Chipstead’s website: https://chipsteadfc.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/roots-confirms-1st-new-signing-for-201516-season/