I want to enjoy my short stay in non-league football, says Moncur

Thursday 04th March 2010

CRAY WANDERERS’ new signing, Thomas James Moncur, says he is aiming for a return to professional football within six months time, writes Stephen McCartney.

The versatile 22-year-old, who was brought up in Enfield, north London, made his Wands debut during their 3-1 win over Ashford Town in the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Cup in midweek.

The former Arsenal and Fulham youngster (who played for England at under 16, 17 and 18 level) has made a handful of appearances in the Football League for the likes of Bradford City and Wycombe Wanderers and joins Cray Wanderers from Chesterfield.

“I have had offers to play up north in the Football League, but for domestic reasons I need to be in London for a few months,” Moncur told www.craywands.co.uk.

“I was asked by Mark Hanscombe to come and play for Cray. He told me I would enjoy it. To be honest with you, that’s exactly what I need at the moment.

“I have not come for a laugh, though. I will stay professional in my attitude, and, besides, I’m a terrible loser!

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to take this level of football for granted, but I am hoping to get back to full match fitness and enjoy my time here at the same time.

"I just love playing football. I am hoping that this experience will be good for me. It certainly makes me appreciate how fortunate I have been previously and makes me even more determined to succeed in the summer."

The versatile Moncur can slot into most positions out on the pitch, and he is keen to impress during his short stay at Hayes Lane.

He said: "I have played attacking right full back, defensive full back, centre half and in central midfield. And, like most footballers, I think I would make a great forward.

"I have good experience for my age and I always give my all, which the fans always seem to like."
Moncur is confident that he will be playing in the Football League again next season.

He added: “I will be back in the pro game within six months’ time.”

Ian Jenkins’ side have climbed away from the Ryman Premier League relegation zone in recent weeks and have collected 19 points from their last eight games.

Now in fourteenth place, the Wands are eight points clear of the relegation zone, and welcome Wealdstone (who are three places higher) to Hayes Lane at the weekend.

The Stones were flirting with the play-off’s before a recent dip of form, which has seen the Ruislip based side pick up only 7 points from their last 9 games.

Quotes courtesy of www.craywands.co.uk

Cray Wanderers v Wealdstone
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 6^th March 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF