Millers move for teen star

Aveley manager Justin Gardner has snapped up talented teenager Sammy Knott from Conference South new boys Concord Rangers.

The Ryman League Division One North club announced on Monday that the 17-year-old midfielder, pictured, had agreed to leave the Ryman League's Premier Division Play-off winners thanks for the lure of regular first team football at Mill Field.

Gardner believes Knott, who came through the youth set-up at the Beachboys and was also dual-registered at Essex Senior League side Great Wakering Rovers last season, can go onto play at a higher level. He's delighted with his acquisition ahead of the Millers' return to pre-season training this weekend and is promising fans more signings with the emphasis on 'quality over quantity' over the coming weeks.

Gardner said: "I did my homework on the boy and he’s certainly one who has a very bright future and will play at a much higher level.

"The fact that Concord were so desperate to keep hold of him speaks volumes. He played eighteen times for them last season but he wanted first-team football. He was happy to sign with us and I'm delighted to have got him."