Defender's return adds extra spice to Cray game
Neal Ardley has revealed that Andy Frampton will make his long-awaited return against Cray Wanderers tomorrow night – and he expects the all-action defender to treat it like a cup final!
Frampton (pictured) is back in the frame quicker than anticipated after dislocating his shoulder at Scunthorpe United on 18 January and he will step-up his recovery in the London Senior Cup tie (7.30 pm kick-off at Beckenham Town FC).
Peter Sweeney, Chris Arthur and Jake Nicholson are the other first-team squad members that will figure and goalkeeper coach Ashley Bayes will be between the sticks.
Speaking about Frampton’s return, Neal Ardley said: “It will be massive to get Andy back because he’s been outstanding for us all season. I knew what we were getting when we signed him; he is a leader and a very good player. He has been back in training for about a week now and we will find out a bit more tomorrow night, which is earlier than we expected. If he comes through that and he feels good, then straight away he’s in contention.
“There’s no chance of easing Andy Frampton back in with the way that he plays. He will go out full-blooded and will treat it as a cup final. He always does in every training session and every match. If he takes a whack on it then we will learn a bit more and that’s the first process we will go through.”
Neal Ardley believes it will be good experience for Shaun North’s crop of Under-21 players to play alongside first-teamers in the London Senior Cup second round tie.
“We will be strong, but there’s good reason for those players being involved,” added Neal. “The younger players such as George Oakley, Oluseyi Daley, Dan Pearse and Charlie Fayers will get to play with them. Hopefully, they will benefit from having good players around them.”
Entry prices for the match against Cray Wanderers are £10 for adults, £4 concessions, and free for Under-16s.