Kentish Football 
Collins unveils former Spurs stopper as his first signing
Thursday 20th May 2010
MICKY COLLINS has today announced his first signing of his managerial career at Erith & Belvedere, writes Stephen McCartney.
Goalkeeper Richard Stroud has arrived at Park View Road, having played for Chatham Town in the Ryman League Division One last season.
Stroud was attached to Queen’s Park Rangers from the age of seven to sixteen before breaking an ankle, which prevented him from gaining a scholarship with the west London club.
Following his recovery from this injury, Stroud joined Waltham Forest before being spotted by Tottenham Hotspur, where he accepted the offer of a one-year contract.
He played 19 games for Spurs' youth team before he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest.
With his contract now expired and having not been offered a further deal, Richard joined Walton & Hersham where he stayed until joining Ryman League Premier League outfit Carshalton Athletic.
The highlight of his one and a half seasons at Colston Avenue was the Ryman Premier League play-off final in 2008 where the Robins were eventually beaten by Staines Town, courtesy of an 111th minute goal.
Last season, Stroud started 15 games for Chatham Town, in what turned out to be Alex O’Brien’s only season in charge at Maidstone Road.
Stroud is the first of Collins’ summer signings, as he bids to bring success back to the Kent League club.
His assistant manager, Julian Leigh, who joins the Deres from Ryman League Division One South side Chipstead as goalkeeper coach last season, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “I am very pleased that Richard is our first signing.
“He is a great lad and also a fantastic keeper with good experience for his age.
“He believes in what we’re striving for and I look forward to working with him.”
The Deres finished their 30-match campaign in 12th place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table - fifth-from-bottom ahead of Fisher, Corinthian, Sporting Bengal and Lordswood - and a club of their stature should be challenging for the title.
Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd