LUCAS LEAVES 1893 FOR ILFORD, BUDD GOES TO THAMESMEAD AND STIMSON THE NEW BOSS AT SHIP LANE

Enfield 1893 FC have announced via their website that Kevin Lucas will be leaving their club as he has been offered the manager's position at Ryman Division One (North) Ilford.

Lucas replaces recently departed Colin Walton whom left Cricklefields along with his coaching staff of Bert Hoyte, Wayne Grant, Ben Schiffer-Harte along with physio Lucelta Eugene.

Goalkeeper Rob Budd has also recently left Ilford after four seasons and 122 appearances for the East London club. Budd, popular with all fans in the Ryman League, has moved South to Thamesmead Town. They have lost the services of their promising keeper Sam Mott whom has moved up to the Blue Square South Division with Welling United. The Cold End sends a Good Luck message to Sam in playing at a higher level of football next season. It's great to see players move up the pyramid.

Thurrock FC, whom finished bottom of the Blue Square South for 2011/12 and look set to be placed in the Ryman Premier Division alongside Enfield Town, have made a interesting managerial appointment in former Grays Athletic, Stevenage Borough, Barnet, Kettering Town and Gillingham boss Mark Stimson. Details can be found in this Thurrock Gazette article.

CANARIES TO VISIT DONKEY LANE

Enfield Town have announced some pre-season friendlies with more in the pipe-line. The stand out fixture so far in on Saturday 28th July when Barclay's Premier League Norwich City send a side down to face Steve Newing's team. The Town also have local trips to Potters Bar Town and Chesunt lined up along with a visit from Southern League St Albans City. This is alongside the opening game of the pre-season on Sunday 8th July when the Supporter's Direct Cup and Shield take place at The Queen Elizabeth II Stadium. Kent League Fisher FC face Ryman Premier Lewes in the Shield with Town taking on Blue Square Premier side Wrexham in the Cup. It's sure to be a great occasion with supporters of all four teams mixing and enjoying the summer sunshine...... and it's only seven Sunday's away!! Keep an eye on the ETFC official website here for more matches to be announced in the coming weeks.