Cray Wanderers announced two big signings as the pre-season campaign got under way.  Centre Half Jay Leader who had left the Wands in the summer to join Barking has now returned to Cray which is a massive boost to the club.  Jay was nominated for the Isthmian South Team of the Year and certainly would have been missed.  Also joining the Wands on a one year contract is former VCD Athletic, Welling United and Braintree Town full back Barney Williams who is hugely respected around the football scene.  Barney played for Cray boss Tony Russell whilst he was at VCD Athletic during their Isthmian North promotion season in 2013-14 and brings National League experience following his spells at Welling and Braintree.

The Wands are looking to assemble a side capable of promotion from the newly sponsored Bostik League South and have also been able to sign centre-forward Michael Power and versatile defender Mitchell Nelson to the club.  Cray were able to re-sign forwards Danny Haynes and Luke Medley and have winger/forward James Duckworth returning after a year out through injury.

Pre-season began for Cray last Saturday with a behind closed doors friendly against Charlton Atheltic U23s which ended in a 1-3 defeat but won 1-0 at a very wet Sheppey United on Tuesday night with Power scoring the winner late in the first half.  They continue their pre-season games with a trip to Fisher on Saturday.

The League fixtures for the 2017-18 season were announced on Thursday and Cray begin the season on Saturday 12th August with a local derby at home to Thamesmead Town.  They follow that up on Tuesday 15th August with another local game away to Phoenix Sports.  

The Cup draws were made on 7th July and in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, Cray have been drawn at home to the winner of the Sevenoaks Town/Broadbridge Heath game and will be played on Sunday 20th August.  In the FA Trophy, Cray have been given a home draw in the Preliminary Round against Horsham on Saturday October 7th.  The winners of the tie will be at home to either Grays Athletic or Norwich United on Saturday October 28th.  In the FA Youth Cup 1st Qualifying Round, Cray have been drawn away to Tooting & Mitcham United in mid September.