Gardner gets his man

By David Watters

Aveley

Aveley manager Justin Gardner signed Somalian born winger Kadir Jame ahead of his side's 3-1 Ryman North defeat at VCD Athletic on Saturday, writes Scott Hatley.

Jama, pictured, arrived from Gardner’s former club Bethnal Green having spent almost his entire playing career at the club since joining as a junior.

Jama has turned down opportunities to play for his national side in the past and wanted yo step up for a new challenge. Gardner is delighted to have signed the the tricky winger who has pace and an eye for goal.

The Aveley manager said: "I’ve known him for about 12 years. He’s been at Bethnal since he was a kid and is arguably one of the club’s best ever players. He’s someone I rate very highly and we’re lucky to have him.

"I never thought anyone would be able to tempt him away. He’s only ever played for Bethnal but now he wants a new challenge. He won many trophies at Bethnal and when I was manager there he was key to almost everything we achieved."

Jama wasn't available for the game at VCD but Gardner hopes to include him in his match-day squad for Monday night’s match against Chatham Town at Mill Field.

Gardner also announced on Saturday that that Rashid Kamara had re-joined the club having played for the Millers last season. The midfielder won't be available for selection for a fortnight while Aveley await his release from Billericay.

Gardner's latest signings follow the addition of Adam Flanagan to the Millers ever improving coaching set-up last week. Flanagan, who will operate as a player-coach, will work with head coach Glenn Robson, keeping coach Aleksandar Cancar and another player-coach, Anton Stephenson.

Robson, who is a UEFA B qualified coach, arrived in pre-season as Gardner continued to improve his backroom staff. Flanagan will operate mainly as a defensive coach alongside him. But the former Dagenham & Redbridge, Dartford and Billericay Town defender has also signed on as a player should he need to be called upon during the season.

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