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Chatham Town sign former Gillingham players Danny Kedwell and Dean Beckwith

Veteran striker Danny Kedwell is back where it all began.

Kedwell left his role as manager of Cray Wanderers on Tuesday and wasted no time in finding a new club, training with Chatham Town on Thursday and quickly agreeing a deal with the Southern Counties East Premier Division leaders. It's a club he was at as a junior.

Danny Kedwell playing for Cray Wanderers recently Picture: Keith Gillard
Danny Kedwell playing for Cray Wanderers recently Picture: Keith Gillard

Kedwell is one of two former Gillingham players to have signed for Chatham this week, with experienced centre-back Dean Beckwith also agreeing terms.

The pair arrive ahead of a crunch meeting with second-placed Sheppey United on Monday.

Beckwith had also been at Cray Wanderers. The 38-year-old started his career at Gillingham before spells with the likes of Hereford, Northampton, Luton, Eastleigh and Sutton United.

He won promotion to the Football League with Hereford and was also part of a promotion-winning team at Sutton.

Kedwell had a short time at Hollands & Blair in the Southern Counties East Premier Division before dipping his toes into management at Cray Wanderers, taking over at the Isthmian Premier side in April. He left them second bottom, albeit with games in hand.

Speaking recently about playing, he said: “It’s frustrating because my mind is there but my legs aren’t.”

He played a handful of games for Wanderers, in defence, midfield and attack.

The striker added: “The good thing is I went out there and still enjoyed it. If I went out there and didn’t enjoy it, then I’d probably say that’s me done, I’m retiring from playing, but that’s not the case at the minute.”

Kedwell started out as a junior with Chatham before his playing career took off, enjoying success at both AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham.

Chatham host Sheppey on Monday, with a 3pm kick-off. Tickets must be purchased in advance as a large crowd is expected.

Meanwhile, Cray Wanderers have announced Grant Basey as their interim manager.

Former Charlton full-back Basey played for Cray from 2015-17 and will be assisted by former Greenwich and Ashford boss Gary Alexander. Peter Lodge will be goalkeeping coach.

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