WHY THERE'S NO RESERVES TEAM FOR 2011-12

In view of some speculation that's popped up on the unofficial forum during the close season, Cray Wanderers have issued this official statement regarding the Reserves team:

"Cray Wanderers were forced into disbanding the Reserves team, at very short notice, because the Sidcup Conservative Club (the landlords of Oxford Road) withdrew use of the pitch to us." Club Secretary Kerry Phillips said.

He continued, "The Con's Club had decided that they would prefer another club to play on the pitch at bar opening 'peak times', giving them the opportunity of increased bar sales, over and above what they currently achieve by having the Cray Reserves team using the facility.

"It is anticipated that, at some stage in the near future, Cray Wanderers will be able to run a Reserves side once again. The advent of the new ground will certainly be beneficial in reaching that objective, and we cannot stress too strongly how important it is for the Supporters and Friends of Cray Wanderers to get behind our Club when the application for planning consent is put to the public for comment by the planning Authorities."

Mr Phillips also confirmed that, for the foreseeable future and despite the Conservative Club pulling the playing rug from underneath the Reserves team, the Oxford Road ground will remain the designated headquarters of Cray Wanderers Football Club.

Trevor Mulligan, 7 June 2011