Michael Parker returns to give us the lowdown ahead of the Blues first game of the 2015/16 Ryman Premier league season against Hendon at Mill Field

Grays Athletic v Hendon
Saturday 8th August, 3pm, Mill Field Aveley FC

Grays kick off the Ryman Premier League season with a home fixture against Hendon. Last year was a case of so far, but so near, for The Blues as they just missed out on the play off positions and also finished runners up in the Robert Dyas League Cup. The visitors on Saturday were the side that triumphed over Grays in that final and they also made it into the play offs to cap a good season for a club that like ourselves lives a nomadic existence.

Hendon are looking to build on this and have added three new signings in the last week. Jake Cass, Courtney Harris and Hassan Sulaiman have all signed league registration forms after impressing for The Greens in pre season.

Mark Bentley has also been looking to add to the Grays squad over the summer by adding some new blood to the 12 players he has managed to retain from last season. Roman Michael-Persil, Lamar Reynolds, Alex Addai have joined in the close season as Blues look to go one better than last season. Hendon come into the match on the back of a defeat to Maidstone in the Isthmian Charity Shield while Grays have had a mixed pre season. Some good results have been achieved against Hayes & Yeading, Bishop's Stortford and a young Southend United side but the Stan Venness Trophy was relinquished to local rivals Tilbury, followed by a narrow defeat to Concord Rangers.

Ticket prices for home games this season have been frozen at £10 adults, £6 Concessions/Students and as ALWAYS, children under 14 can watch live football for just £1, so why not come over to Mill Field Aveley and cheer on Grays Athletic for the 2015/16 season and help the club celebrate their 125th anniversary in style!