AFTER last season's relegation from the National League South, Aveley return to action this evening (Friday, 8 August) with an Isthmian premier league opening derby at Parkside against near neighbours Brentwood Town.

Millers go into the match with a new-look squad under the direction of new manager Brett Munyard and on the back of an encouraging pre-season campaign.

Though their last match was last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Bishops Stortford, there has been promising signs from a squad that includes a significant number of new faces.

Munyard reviews the pre-season in this video:-

The visitors, Brentwood, were last season's Isthmian North champions and are managed by former Aveley boss Keith Rowland so there will be lots to play for, including bragging rights.

Kick-off is 7.45pm and gates open at 6.15pm.

Rowland's return will bring back memories of a team he led to Meadow Lane, the home of Notts County, in an FA Trophy quarter final after beating the likes of Chelmsford City and Hornchurch as a Step 4 club.

Alongside Rowland on the Town bench are  in the management team is Aveley  legend Alex Akrofi who scored 72 goals and assisted 43 times in 134 matches for the Millers. Goalkeeping coach John Witham also returns to his former club.

And in the Brentwood squad are several familiar faces who have played for Aveley, including  Jon Nzengo, Andy Freeman, Shad Ngandu, Marlon Agyakwa, Ade Cole, Charlie Edwards, Benas Vaivada, Manny Ogunrinde, and Charlee Hughes — who collectively racked up over 500 appearances for the Millers.

For The Millers, Munyard and his staff have re-built the Aveley. Experienced players like Joe Wright, Marvel Ekpiteta, Ryan Henshaw, Ryan Charles, Rowan Liburd are mixed with young players like Alfie Armin and Jayden Robinson.