Following a solid first season in the Ryman League One North, Phoenix Sports manager Steve O’Boyle has made some early moves to improve his squad.

His initial signings suggest that he is looking for players who have a good knowledge of the Bexley football scene.

Experienced left back Ashley Probets has been signed from local rivals VCD Athletic. After failing to break into the first team at Arsenal, the then 20 year old was transferred to Rochdale in 2004 for whom he made 12 appearances.

Short stints at Barnet and Welling United were followed by his first spell at the Vickers. He then spent two seasons at Chatham Town before signing for Thamesmead Town in 2010.

Five years at Bayliss Avenue were ended with a return to VCD before signing for the Sports. As well as being a solid defender, he has a sweet left foot and is a dead ball specialist.

That announcement was coupled with the news that exciting winger Malik Ouani has also joined the club. In three seasons at Welling United, he made seven appearances, scoring one goal. He spent spells on loan at Walton Casuals and VCD Athletic before being released by Loui Fazakerley and signing for Cray Wanderers.

Walton Casuals took the opportunity to re-sign him from Cray before he was put on dual registration terms at Lordswood.

Another exciting wide player, Theo Fairweather-Johnson, has also joined the club. He signed for Welling from Thamesmead and was part of their Conference South Championship winning squad before returning to Bayliss Avenue.

Originally, Mead signed him from Croydon and he has also had a spell at Leatherhead.

The latest newcomer to sign for the Sports is Jack Hopkins. He is a leader on and off the pitch and his signing from Thamesmead is a real coup. Hopkins has also had a spell with East Thurrock United.