Great expectations for new striker

New Grays Athletic manager Jody Brown is predicting a bright future for prolific striker Dumebi Dumaka in the Ryman League's top flight.

Former Swifts manager Brown returned to Scraley Road in midweek to sign the young forward who's impressed the coaching staff and his new teammates since joining the squad for pre-season training.

The Ryman North's Swifts originally signed the 20-year-old striker from Essex Senior League outfit Barking last season. At Mayesbrook Park he was top scorer with 25 goals the season before last.

Ahead of Saturday's pre-season 6-0 win at Combined Counties League side Bedfont & Feltham, Brown said: "After impressing we managed to agree a deal for DD. He is a young player with all the raw attributes to do very well.

"The development I've seen him over the last six months suggests he has a bright future and in time can become a great asset to Grays Athletic."

Brown also made two other key signings last week, agreeing terms with striker Chris Benjamin for another campaign with the club and persuading veteran winger Glen Little to follow him from Swifts.

Former Leyton Orient trainee Benjamin was on loan at Redbridge when Brown was coaching there and signed for Grays last season after spells at Sutton United and Harrow Borough. Player-maker Little, 38, originally signed for Brown in May when he was still at Swifts.