Good afternoon,
After the horror show at Lewes just seven days previously, last Saturday saw a return to winning ways at in-form Wingate & Finchley along with welcome starts for Matty and Denzel after what seemed like an age on the sidelines.
Whoever writes Denzel’s scripts was certainly on a winner as our pacy winger marked his 300th Valley appearance with our opener and looked strong, fit and ready to play a full part in the run-in. Who among those present at Flamingo Park in August could forget the agony on his face as Denzel fell to the ground in a crumpled heap as his groin gave way so to see him back in action would have lifted all our spirits.

Having grown up in his native Jamaica 31 years ago, Denzel’s early days were spent watching the likes of Deon Burton, Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner and Ricardo Fuller lead the national side to the 1998 World Cup in France before he came to England in 2002.
After playing under James Collins as a 17 year old for Erith Town reserves, followed by an unhappy spell at Step 3 Leatherhead, it came as little surprise when Collins invited him to join the Millers in 2016. Since then, Denzel has been a regular in the starting line-up as Valley enjoyed success in the London Senior Cup before winning promotion from the SCEFL and playing at Wembley in the FA Vase Final in 2019.
Two runs to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup have followed along with last season’s Championship winning season as Denzel has contributed 69 goals along with numerous assists.
“The club is like a second home for me, all the players, management, board members, fans and everyone else involved” he told me.
“With all the club has achieved over the years, the belief and ambition has always been for greatness. You can see this in all the improvements around the ground.
My game has also come on massively over the years as maturity has taught me to see and understand more, while the club also make us feel like professionals.
Cray is a very respectful and well organised football club. The club has ambitions to always challenge to be better – not just compete – so it’s a bonus to play for a club that’s always in and around it at the end of the season. The success we’ve had from winning two leagues, the London Cup and the great cup runs will live with me forever.
When I came in, I was one of the younger players needing help and guidance from the more experienced guys. Now it’s the time for me to guide the younger players coming through to get the best out of them and push the club to greater heights.
I’m a winner ! I love and enjoy the feeling of winning so we need to keep pushing in the right direction of aiming for the play-offs and then see where we go from there.
My time at Cray Valley has been incredible – it’s a very good club which has always treated me with love and respect.
To top all that, it’s right on my doorstep so it’s a no brainer !!
When football is finished, all you can do is look back on all the accolades you have achieved over time with your teammates.
And great memories along the way !!!”

Another great event worthy of mention last weekend was the wedding of two of our regular travelling supporters. Preston and Susan, everyone at the club wish you everything you wish yourselves as you begin life as Mr & Mrs Lee-Willott.

So just four games remain after today, the end is nigh so let’s hear you get behind our boys as we look to secure our place in those Play-Offs.

“Come On You Millers”

Rich

The Denzel Stats up to and including his 300th appearance at Wingate & Finchley on 29th March 2025
Cray Valley (PM)
Total Apps 300 Goals 69
Season 2024/25 Appearances 11 Goals 4
Season 2023/24 Appearances 45 Goals 7
Season 2022/23 Appearances 44 Goals 7
Season 2021/22 Appearances 38 Goals 10
Season 2020/21 (Covid) Appearances 12 Goals 2
Season 2019/20 (Covid) Appearances 33 Goals 6
Season 2018/19 Appearances 45 Goals 17
Season 2017/18 Appearances 30 Goals 5
Season 2016/17 Appearances 42 Goals 11