Former Ipswich Town and Colchester striking star Neil Gregory is the new skipper of Canvey Island.

He replaces Steve Tilson, who has returned full-time to Roots Hall as an assistant to manager Rob Newman, as Gulls set out on their bid to win the Ryman Premier title -- and elevation to the Nationwide Conference -- after finishing runners-up for the past two terms.

Manager Jeff King said: "Neil has done a superb job for us over the past couple of years and was delighted to accept when I offered him the job of captain."

King has added to his already impressive list of summer signings with the capture of three other newcomers -- ex-Crewe and Stevenage goalkeeper Dean Greygoose, Chelmsford City defender Kevin Dobinson and midfielder Jason Dozzell, who has had a lengthy Football League career with Spurs and Ipswich among others.

Although the Islanders have a large squad, strength in depth has already shown to be an important factor in the Park Lane club's glory bid.

For tomorrow's trip to Hayes they are definitely missing honeymooning goalkeeper Ashley Harrison, defender Steve Ward (holiday) and suspended Chris Duffy.

King forecasts a tough opener tomorrow and said: "It's always hard when you come up against a newly-relegated team in the first match. They'll be really keen to immediately show they've got what it takes to bounce back at the first attempt."

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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