WITH the non-league football world now firmly centred on a September return to competitive action – and a month of pre-season friendlies in advance of that, local clubs have been stepping up their efforts to assemble sides.

There have been a number of moves in and out at Aveley.

Coming in are Jason Ring and Steve Sheehan to bolsters the Millers' defence, while striker Alex Akrofi as moved on – as has utility player Jon Nzengo.

Right back Jason Ring has joined from Isthmian Premier League side East Thurrock United, where he has been a protégé of Millers' new coach John Coventry.

After coming through East Thurrock's youth ranks Ring enjoyed a start to his senior career with stints at Burnham Ramblers and Great Wakering Rovers before becoming an impressive figure in East Thurrock's defence in the isthmian premier last season. He made 34 appearances before the campaign was curtailed.

For many of those matches he played alongside experienced centre back Steve Sheehan before he moved to National League South Braintree Town in the closing stages. However the two will be reunited at Parkside after Sheen agreed to join the Millers for the coming campaign.

Leaving the club through – and making a return to East Thurrock is Nzengo.

Also on the move out is striker Akrofi who has rejoined former club National League South Tonbridge Angels.

Akrofi joined Aveley at the beginning of the 2018/19 season from Angels where he scored 34 goals in 68 games in two seasons for the National South side. He helped Maidstone United to promotion from the National South to the National League and also helped Brentwood Town to the Isthmian Premier League, scoring a hat-trick in the play-off final.

He made 84 appearances for The Millers, scoring 79 goals.

Alex said: "It's been a great honour playing for Aveley for the last two seasons. Special mention to the Gennings family for their support to me and I wish the team all the best in the coming season. I do just want to stress Aveley are in a good place to do something special this season. Good things are going to happen for the Millers."