AVELEY FC fans are being invited to an open training session at the club's Parkside ground next Thursday (8 July) starting at 7.30pm.

It will be chance to see some familiar faces who have re-signed for the club as manager Keith Rowland assembles his squad for the forthcoming Isthmian Division One North season.

He has also introduced some youth with the signing of youngster Koby Yeboah who has come through the Southend United youth ranks.

Yeboah, who has also graduated through Aveley's club college, says: "I am very excited for the upcoming season, I'm happy to be here, and really happy to sign for Aveley."

Among others to sign are goalkeeper David Hughes, who already has 87 matches for the Millers under his belt, defender Jason Ring – who featured in all last season's matches before the season was curtailed - and central defender Steve Sheehan.

Hughes, Ring and Sheehan number East Thurrock United among their previous clubs, as does Georgian-born player Morisi Gelashvili who is another to sign up for Millers for the coming season.

And another ex-Rock, Ryan Scott is also a Miller now. The central defender played more than 60 times in the National South for East Thurrock, Concord Rangers and Braintree Town over the last two years.

While the East Thurrock connection on the pitch is strong, one man not part of the Millers set-up for the new season is last season's assistant manager John Coventry, who has stood down from his role.

Central defender George Allen has returned to Aveley from National South side Braintree Town and also back is attacking midfielder Freddie Gard has re-signed ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The Millers have a number of pre-season friendlies arranged, starting with a home game against Redbridge on Monday, 12 July.

On Saturday, 17 July they host Cray Valley and will host borough rivals East Thurrock United on the following Monday (19th).

Bishops Stortford visit Parkside on Saturday, 24 July, followed by Potters Bar on Tuesday, 27 July.

National League Dagenham & Redbridge will visit on Friday, 30 July and Millers entertain Lewes on Tuesday, 3 August.

An away trip to Herne Bay follows on Saturday, 7 August.